Smiths Group

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 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.

Job Description

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced Material Planner / Supply Chain Planner with strong vendor management and MRP system expertise to join our Johor Bahru operations. This role is critical in ensuring material availability to support production and customer demand through robust system configuration, disciplined supplier engagement, and inventory optimization.

The successful candidate will act as a key link between suppliers, planning systems (SAP or equivalent), and internal stakeholders to deliver service, inventory, and cost objectives. You will also play a leading role in continuous improvement initiatives and global supply chain standardization projects.

Accountable for following KPIs

• Inventory turns
• Slow and non-moving inventory
• Vendor On Time Delivey
• Material availability / line readiness

SPECIFIC DUTIES, ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Material Planning & System Management

• Own and manage a system-driven material plan aligned to production schedules and sales demand.
• Configure and maintain MRP parameters and master data (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock, MOQ, etc.) to achieve optimal planning outcomes.
• Ensure planning system outputs are accurate, actionable, and aligned with business objectives.
• Actively challenge system assumptions and planning rules to drive continuous improvement.

Vendor Management & Supply Assurance

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with vendors.
• Define and agree rules of engagement with suppliers to meet delivery, inventory, and service targets.
• Proactively manage supplier performance, addressing risks related to delivery, quality, and capacity.
• Expedite materials where required and resolve potential shortages or delays before they impact production.
• Develop and implement flexibility and supply assurance plans with key suppliers.

Inventory Optimization & Cost Management

• Optimize inventory levels by balancing cost, supply risk, and logistics considerations.
• Identify and mitigate shortages, excess on-order, and excess on-hand inventory.
• Analyze slow and non-moving inventories and develop and drive reduction action plans
• Identify, quantify, and support localization opportunities, including financial and supply-risk impacts.

Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and contribute to cross-functional and global improvement projects.
• Support Lean, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement initiatives within the supply chain.
• Work closely with Planning, Production, Quality, Procurement, and Global Supply Chain teams to ensure customer priorities are met.
• Define and continuously improve end-to-end material supply processes, eliminating non-value-added activity.

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Degree in Engineering or Science discipline or equivalent experience
• Professional certification (APICS, PMAC, CIPS etc.) is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in advanced supply chain planning within an equipment manufacturing or re-manufacturing environment.
• Expert knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
• Strong vendor and supplier performance management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in MRP master data configuration.
• Solid working knowledge of SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Experience operating in a Lean manufacturing environment.
• Experience with PFEP or supply chain improvement initiatives is highly desirable.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and system discipline.
• Ability to drive results through structured planning and proactive problem-solving.
• Influential communicator able to challenge constructively and bring stakeholders along.
• Strong relationship-building skills across internal teams and external suppliers.
• Continuous improvement mindset with willingness to challenge the status quo.

Supervises:

• None

Additional Information

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)