Purchasing Assistant

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.

The Purchasing Assistant / Junior Buyer supports the Procurement function by executing day-to-day purchasing activities, managing supplier interactions, and ensuring timely availability of materials required for electronic manufacturing operations.

The role involves working with ERP & MRP systems, (specifically Glovia) and cross-functional teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, support cost-reduction initiatives, and uphold supplier performance standards.

Procurement & Purchasing Activities

• Monitor PO confirmations, shipment dates, and delivery schedules; follow up with suppliers as needed to ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, pricing, lead times, and material master information in SAP.
• Assist with sourcing low- to medium-value components, consumables, and indirect materials.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives by collecting price data, analysing supplier quotes, and preparing comparison reports.

Material Requirements Planning (MRP) Support

• Review MRP exceptions and system messages; take action to expedite, reschedule, or cancel orders.
• Work closely with production planners to resolve shortages, delays, or unexpected material demands.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts, overstocking, or obsolescence, especially for electronic components.

Supplier Management

• Communicate regularly with suppliers regarding pricing, delivery issues, quality concerns, and documentation.
• Maintain supplier contact information and basic supplier performance records.
• Assist in resolving invoice queries, goods receipt issues, and discrepancies between PO, delivery, and invoice.
• Support the qualification of new suppliers through documentation collection and initial assessments.

Operational & Administrative Tasks

• Generate purchasing reports (open POs, shortages, price variances, etc.) for internal stakeholders.
• Upload and maintain documentation such as certificates of conformity, RoHS/REACH declarations, and material specifications.
• Support audits related to procurement processes, supplier evaluation, or material traceability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, sourcing guidelines, and electronic manufacturing standards.

Completion of, or currently studying towards

• ONC in Business Administration
• ONC in Supply Chain Management

These qualifications demonstrate understanding of business processes, production environments, and technical components.

Essential

• Experience in a manufacturing or electronic production environment.
• Working knowledge of SAP (MM module) and familiarity with MRP processes.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication skills for interacting with suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).

Preferred

• Experience with mechanical component suppliers (e.g., machine shops, metal fabricators, plating shops.
• Understanding of supply chain principles such as lead times, MOQ, safety stock, and demand planning.
• Basic negotiation skills for pricing and delivery terms.
• Exposure to ISO-certified manufacturing environments.

Key Attributes

• Proactive and eager to learn procurement and supply chain best practices.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Team-oriented with the ability to build collaborative working relationships.
• Detail-driven and organised, with a commitment to reliable data management.

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)