Project Technical Buyer - 12 Month Contract in Hemel Hempstead

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies supporting aviation, ports & borders, defence, and urban security. We are looking for a Technical Buyer to join us on a 12‑month contract, supporting a critical and high‑impact project. You’ll play a key role in sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers across both electronic and mechanical components, helping to ensure delivery against challenging project timelines.

Due to the sensitive nature of the programme, we can only consider candidates who meet the requirements for BPSS vetting. In this role, you’ll have real ownership — from identifying and developing suppliers through to negotiating contracts and managing ongoing performance. You’ll work closely with cross‑functional teams including engineering, operations, and quality, ensuring materials are delivered on time and to specification. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage directly with suppliers, including site visits to assess capability, manage risk, and build strong partnerships.

What you’ll be doing:

• Identify, assess, and develop suppliers for electronic and mechanical components
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs to ensure supplier understanding and compliance
• Lead sourcing activities including RFQs, pricing analysis, and contract negotiation
• Place and manage purchase orders, ensuring supply aligns with production needs
• Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery — driving continuous improvement
• Manage supplier risks, including obsolescence and end‑of‑life components
• Support cost modelling (COGS), contract performance reporting, and project milestones
• Partner with global/category teams to deliver best value through a total cost of ownership (TCO) approach
• Conduct supplier visits and capability assessments, reporting on findings and opportunities
• Contribute to sustainability, localisation, and continuous improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing / engineering environment (mechanical, electronic, or electro‑mechanical preferred) – ideally Defence or Aerospace.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Proven skills in supplier evaluation, quotation analysis, and negotiation.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organisational abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, working effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is an advantage.
• A proactive, self‑motivated approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to supplier sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
• Experience working on project‑based or new product introduction (NPI) procurement.
• Knowledge of sustainability and supplier localisation principles.
• Familiarity with ISO standards or supplier audit processes.
• Multilingual or international experience.

Why Join Smiths Detection?

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective. We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.