Category Manager – Machined Components

Company Description

Smiths Interconnect, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in mission-critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality, and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world’s most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defense, space & aerospace and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries. 

***Experience working with machine shop, 5 years planning jobs/tooling and set-up on milling machines are encouraged to apply.***

Job Description

To provide procurement category subject matter expertise, to develop and implement category strategies that will:

• Deliver sustainable competitive advantage across the Fibre (Fiber) Optics and RF Components Business Unit (FOCOM BU) within the Machined category, through:
  • setting and delivering agreed annual and multi-year benefits plans, aligned to divisional business strategies and requirements
  • optimizing cost and risk management
  • the use of best-in-class procurement practices

Responsibilities

Supplier management

• Develop and maintain:
  • supplier relationship management (SRM) plans for key suppliers identified within the category
  • rigorous contracts for all critical, strategic, and preferred suppliers within the category.
• Develop personal relationships with key suppliers by establishing regular supplier review meetings to facilitate communication
• Apply appropriate contract terms, terms of reference, outline agreements, and pricing structures to new and existing suppliers
• Create value through connecting supplier capabilities and expertise to meet FOCOM BU needs and opportunities

Reporting and systems:

• Ensure transparency, accuracy, and consistency of data in the purchasing information systems
• Manage accurate and on time functional and business reporting against agreed procurement performance metrics

Procurement responsibilities:

• Conduct procurement activities in accordance with stated business processes, ethics, and other business policies and processes
• Investigate and understand plant purchasing processes regarding categories
• Work with plant operations and supplier to resolve critical shortages that impact the business.
• Ensure the development and effective execution of category strategies that deliver a competitive advantage to FOCOM BU focused on providing the highest performing solutions while optimizing the total cost of ownership.
• Develop strong relationships with key plant personnel for assigned categories in conjunction with plant operational, financial, and procurement personnel, develop comprehensive categories strategies
• Research and understand capabilities of key suppliers within each category including contract terms, annual spend, and method of application within plant
• Apply consistent guidelines for evaluating, selecting, and adding new suppliers
• Develop mechanism for supplier performance feedback from plant clients
• Understand market conditions to develop the optimal category strategy
• Develop standardized external market tracking for key, high volume, commodities
• Regularly evaluate assigned category against market factors using contract negotiations, competitive bidding, supplier surveys, and plant feedback
• Create and maintain market forecast for key commodities and develop plans to adapt existing strategies to efficiently adapt to changes in market conditions

Qualifications

• Experience working with machine shop, 5 years planning jobs/tooling and set-up on milling machines
• LEAN experience
• Preferred post-secondary training applied to Purchasing and Supply (APICS/CIPS) and/or business programs
• Extensive experience of using leading category management tools and techniques to develop and execute category strategies across a complex stakeholder environment
• Deep category insight and understanding of the category markets, risks, commercial levers, and sourcing options.

• 5 years in an ISO accredited high-tech, engineering-based manufacturing environment

Additional Information

Why Smiths Interconnect?

• Global Impact: As part of Smiths Group, a global engineering leader, you’ll be working on ground-breaking technologies that make a difference in industries that are shaping the future.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career progression across Smiths Interconnect and the wider Smiths Group.
• Innovative Culture: Join a collaborative and innovative team, where your ideas and contributions are valued and rewarded.
• Competitive Package: We offer a competitive salary, benefits package, and performance-related incentives.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, 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.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)