Category Manager

**Company Description**
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.- Engaging with Stakeholders to develop most relevant product/service specifications
- Designing and deploying category and sourcing strategies that align to the business and divisional strategies and requirements
- Delivering sustainable competitive through the effective sourcing and spend management of the within the categories
- Minimising Detection risk exposure within the category
- Utilising best in class procurement practices.
- Promote and communicate the value of the Indirect Procurement function across the business
- Coordinate with local/regional procurement to consolidate further category spend

**Duties**:
**Global category responsibility for IT & Telecoms**:

- Software (incl. Software as a Service) and Support Services
- Hardware and Print
- Network and Communication Services
- IT Consultancy Services and Outsourced IT Services (incl. Hosting Services)

**Support Head of Indirect Proc with sourcing activities for**:

- Centralised Services (Non-IT related Professional Services & Consultancy)
- Align sourcing activities with dedicated category strategy.

**General**:

- Responsible for leading cross-functional teams of operational stakeholders, sourcing and commercial managers through the sourcing process to deliver breakthrough results that deliver commercial advantage for Smiths Detection.
- Work with the Indirect Procurement Head and Head of IT to develop and deliver a clear category strategy for the Detection Group.
- Responsible for ensuring suppliers provide value for money and business benefit to the company, including innovative proposals and following the Smiths Detection Sustainable Sourcing Strategy.
- Develop relationships with existing Suppliers that leverage spend to reduce costs whilst delivering innovation and benefit to our business.
- Develop new strategic relationships with new suppliers and partners to meet customer needs and requirements.
- Lead cost management exercises to identify waste and drive immediate savings in external costs.
- Identify opportunities to exploit economies of scale (group leverage, standardization, normalisation of suppliers etc.)
- Working with key stakeholders to gain an in-depth understanding of the industry and related business models is essential.
- The role is critical in driving improved customer experiences and reducing risk through the supply base within the categories.
- The role is not exhaustive, and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake other reasonable tasks within your capacity.

**Qualifications**
- Proven experience in leading end-to-end procurement projects within a structured sourcing process, including RFIs and RFPs.
- Strong background in building and executing long-term category and subcategory strategies aligned to overall business objectives.
- Demonstrated success in implementing and managing Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) processes, including structured supplier performance reviews and governance frameworks.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and gain commitment from diverse business functions and senior leadership.
- Solid understanding of contract review and negotiation, ensuring alignment with business strategies and risk mitigation requirements.
- Deep insight into market trends and supply dynamics, with the ability to anticipate business needs on a 1-3-year horizon.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience using e-sourcing platforms and spend/savings analytics tools.
- Track record of delivering measurable results through procurement strategies, supported by a balanced scorecard or similar performance metrics.
- Experience working within complex and matrixed organizations, driving innovation and continuous improvement across procurement functions.
- A collaborative leadership style with a focus on capability building, team development, and cross-functional alignment.
- Knowledge of how third-party providers contribute to the business model and customer value delivery.

**Additional Information** We offer**

Join us