Within the Smiths Group, we use cutting-edge technologies to design, manufacture, and provide innovative market-leading solutions that meet the needs of our customers and impact the lives of millions of people every day. We are a FTSE100 company, a global business with approximately 14,600 employees, based in 50 countries. Our solutions have a real impact on life worldwide, as they create an environment conducive to industry, improve healthcare, enhance security, and advance connectivity. Our products and services are often essential to the operations of our customers, while our exclusive technology and high service levels contribute to creating a competitive advantage. We integrate employees recognized for their curiosity, who enjoy taking on responsibilities, love challenges, and are attracted to the idea of working in a company with nearly 170 years of experience in innovation and five global divisions, each expert in their field.
Smiths Detection is a global leader in detection and control technologies for the protection of people and property, promoting safety, security, and freedom of movement in today’s world.
The Solution Architect is responsible for designing and implementing the solution strategy for Cargo Inspection Systems (CIS), managing a broad portfolio of products, including those from technology partners. The goal is to provide robust and customer-adapted CIS solutions that meet both current and future requirements.
The Solution Architect plays a key role in guiding and advising local management on tendering procedures, testing opportunities, and potential collaborations with third-party hardware/software providers.
They also contribute to the development of new products and capabilities by gathering operational customer requirements and reporting them to relevant teams.
Responsibilities
- Identify key strategic opportunities and profile key customers.
- Support global tenders for complex strategic transactions.
- Assist in sales and contribute to the technical compliance matrix for tender responses.
- Lead coordination between Sales (Markets), Service, and Technology teams to propose complex solutions, particularly concerning scope, cost, and implementation timelines.
- Ensure the technical solution is delivered on time and within budget.
- Implement a solution strategy with a portfolio of products, including those from technology partners.
- Develop and deploy solutions that meet regulatory, operational, and commercial requirements.
- Coach local sales and pre-sales teams to become cross-functional contributors to the solutions offering and improve architectural practices.
- Ensure that the company meets or exceeds annual targets for orders, revenue, and profitability, and develop tactics to grow the business.
- Present customer and market requirements to technical teams, including digital, R&D, and integration.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and new customers.
- Support workshops, training sessions, and exhibitions with expert advice, tools, and training.
- Take ownership of the solution strategy design and implementation for the CIS market.
- Act within delegated authority, making quick decisions to resolve issues and escalating problems to higher levels when necessary.
- Work independently, following the strategic directions set by management.
Education
- Bachelor’s or higher degree in science, engineering, industrial engineering, management, or equivalent experience.
Knowledge
- Significant experience in solution design.
- Proven track record of leading or actively contributing to cross-functional projects.
- Project management experience is a plus.
- Deep understanding of detection technologies and their applications.
- Experience in working with sales organizations and/or sales experience.
- Knowledge of security operations and relevant regulations.
- Experience in direct customer interactions.
Skills
- Effective communication skills at all levels of the organization, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to interact and achieve results in cross-functional teams within a matrix environment, influencing stakeholders outside direct reporting lines.
- Market-oriented mindset.
- Fluency in English, both spoken and written.
Key Qualities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Stakeholder management and empathy.
- Collaboration and teamwork.
- Adaptability and flexibility.
- Leadership and influence.
- Time management and prioritization.
- Conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Creativity and innovation.
- Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
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)
Top Skills
What We Do
For over 170 years, Smiths Group has been pioneering progress by engineering a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help make the world safer, more energy efficient and productive, and better connected, across four global markets: Energy, General Industrial, Safety & Security, and Aerospace & Defence.
Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs more than 15,000 colleagues in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com.
We're looking for people with curious minds. Who want responsibility and relish a challenge. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, our global scale and focus on growth means we have some great career opportunities for you. There's never been a better time to join Smiths.
