Material Planner

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 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 3,500 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.

Job Purpose:

The Material Planner plays a key role in supporting the Aftermarket business to deliver customer service levels by ensuring spares and consumables inventory are maintained at optimum levels. The role involves managing inventory schedules, supply plans, coordinating with internal departments, and managing supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end purchase order processes at DC level, including creation, confirmation, progress tracking, and goods receipt, whilst ensuring data integrity through rigorous supplier follow-up.
• Maintain accurate MRP master data parameters to ensure planning accuracy and clean orders.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure on-time delivery, proactively resolving potential delays and reporting monthly supplier performance with root cause analysis.
• Develop, review and validate global Aftermarket forecasts for assigned portfolio and share with internal and external suppliers.
• Monitor material levels to maintain optimal stock aligned with customer SLAs and inventory targets; analyse the global spares network for stock redeployment opportunities to reduce direct spend.
• Support business improvement initiatives including Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, and Lean programmes.
• Uphold Smiths Code of Corporate Responsibility and Business Ethics in all activities.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Required: Bachelor's degree or higher in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related discipline
• Required: 4+ years' experience in a supply chain role with demonstrated expertise in Supplier/Vendor Management, Purchasing, Inventory, or Demand Planning
• Required: Proficiency in MRP systems (SAP ERP preferred) and MS Office suite, particularly Excel
• Required: Strong analytical and mathematical skills with excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Desirable: Professional supply chain qualification (CSCP/APICS) and experience with Power BI dashboards

Competencies and Abilities:

• Process-orientated with a passion for operational excellence and attention to detail
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
• Strong stakeholder management capabilities and ability to perform effectively under pressure and strict deadlines
• Self-motivated, reliable, and data-driven decision maker with sound judgment and accountability

Planning and Decision Making:

• Ability to prioritise tasks, take initiative, and deliver KPI targets aligned with customer and business needs
• Capability to provide timely, data-supported escalations and recommendations to the Planning Manager

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.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

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