Procurement Category Manager

Company Description

About Smiths Interconnect:

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. 

Job Description

Job Purpose:

• Ability to work independently, as well as supporting the Global Procurement Manager in the delivery and execution of the sourcing and procurement strategy.
• Identify, source, and develop new and existing Smiths Interconnect suppliers driving benefit to the business.
• Work cross functionally across the Smiths global manufacturing operations and 3rd party supplier base to optimize material management and capacity.
• Identify and drive efficiencies through cost saving exercises.
• Suggest and implement process improvements sharing best practice across the business for continuous improvement.
• Work with the global procurement teams to support all aspects of category management, supplier business reviews, category plans, market trends assessment, pricing, and product availability.
   

Responsibilities:

• Effective management of RFQ process and Product Price Variance activities to deliver best commercial purchasing decisions.  
• Assist in developing strategies for negotiating supplier contracts and development of new sourcing projects.
• Work cross functionally (new product development teams, operations, category engineers) and with external suppliers to deliver a balanced / agile supplier portfolio.
• Support and manage new supplier on boarding process, assist with maintaining Global Approved Vendor List (AVL), and ensure aligned with Smiths ESG requirements.
• Build, develop and maintain key internal relationships across all regions and functional areas.
• Build strong working relationships with domestic and global suppliers through regular communication and feedback.
• Contribute towards the delivery of KPIs in conjunction with BU strategy:
• • OTIF / OTD
  • Sales revenue
  • DHOP
  • PPV working capital plan
  • Lead time reduction
• Support the resolution of supply constraint and critical shortages, and ensure effective communicating with key internal stake holders. 
• Support supplier performance monitoring, evaluation, and improvement plans.
• Critical path maintenance and management for specific projects.

General Activities:

• Participate in supplier onsite evaluation of capabilities and capacities.
• Work with global supply chain teams to ensure timely delivery of stock.
• Support the RFQ process and work with Global Procurement Manager to deliver commercial benefit to the BU.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure maximizing Smiths business capacity and reducing lead time metric.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the identification and implementation of alternative sources of supply as required to resolve material risk situations.
• Help administer supplier scorecards and support Quarterly Business Review (QBR) meetings.
• Support the wider supply chain team and actively engage in the achievement of team objectives including cost savings, process improvements, supplier performance, supply chain improvements etc.
• Prepare progress and financial procurement reports where required.
• Build strong working relationships with UK, APAC, Americas, and European suppliers, liaising on a day-to-day basis, supported by reporting and presentations.

Qualifications

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong personal drive and motivation; focused on delivering results through continuous improvement.
• Relevant experience of working to tight and challenging deadlines.
• Global in outlook and experience in or knowledge of working with APAC, UK, European and Americas countries.
• Five years sourcing, purchasing or buyer experience required, with experience in cost management and negotiation.
• Degree educated with