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.

Job Description

Job Purpose:

The User Guide Writer plays a pivotal role in the success of the Global Training & Documentation department, supporting the delivery of high-quality documentation both in the UK and internationally. This position is responsible for creating clear, accurate, and engaging user guides and end-user documentation that enhance the usability of our software solutions for both internal and external audiences.

Working closely with a diverse range of global stakeholders, the User Guide Writer will contribute to the execution of the global documentation strategy. The role demands strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible content that meets the needs of a wide user base.

User Guide Writer Duties

Create and Maintain Documentation

• Develop, write, and maintain user guides, manuals, and instructional materials tailored for end-users, including those without technical backgrounds.
• Ensure documentation is translation-ready by using consistent terminology and clear language to reduce translation time and cost.
• Independently gather information from subject matter experts (SMEs), existing manuals, vendor documentation, and online research to inform content development.
• Source or create visual assets (e.g., screenshots, diagrams, videos) to enhance documentation quality and usability.
• Adhere to established documentation templates and contribute to their ongoing improvement in terms of style, structure, and usability.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate interactive elements such as embedded videos, 3D models, or augmented reality to enrich the user experience.
• Collaborate with external software/hardware suppliers to integrate third-party documentation into Smiths Detection materials as needed.
• Provide accurate time and effort estimates for documentation projects.

User-Centric Writing

• Write with a strong focus on the end-user, ensuring clarity, simplicity, and accessibility for non-technical audiences.
• Use step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and real-world scenarios to enhance relevance and comprehension.
• Apply principles of information design, including logical flow, structured content, and chunking, to improve readability and navigation.
• Integrate visual design elements such as icons, annotations, and graphics to support and clarify written content.

Content Management

• Organise and manage documentation using content management systems and ensure it is easily accessible to writers, reviewers, and users, as needed.
• Adhere to regular release and review cycles for documentation updates.

Review and Edit

• Proofread and edit content for grammar, style, tone, and consistency.
• Participate in peer reviews of team documentation, including technical manuals authored by other writers.
• Coordinate expert reviews and incorporate feedback prior to final publication.

Feedback Integration

• Conduct usability testing and gather feedback within project timelines.
• Continuously improve documentation based on input from users and internal teams.
• Utilise centralised tools to collect, monitor, and act on feedback and enhancement requests.

Collaborate with Teams

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including product managers, engineers, application experts, and customer support to ensure documentation accuracy and completeness.
• Manage own workload and timelines, escalating issues as needed to meet deadlines.
• Actively participate in project meetings and lead documentation-related discussions when appropriate.

Project Coordination

• Plan, coordinate, and execute multiple customer-facing projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with timelines, deliverables, and quality standards.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify issues or delays; collaborate with project experts to define and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Adapt project plans and processes in response to evolving requirements or project status, maintaining clear communication with stakeholders throughout.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Technical Writing, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience in a similar role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and user-friendly content.
• Proficiency with documentation and collaboration tools, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Adobe products, and content management systems.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across global teams and time zones.
• Confident presenter, capable of delivering information clearly and responding professionally to questions from stakeholders, clients, and end-users.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to remain effective under pressure and adjust to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.

General Competencies:

• Results-Oriented: Demonstrates drive and determination to achieve effective outcomes that contribute to business success.
• Decisive: Makes timely and well-informed decisions, even under pressure or in uncertain situations.
• Judgment and Escalation: Recognises when to escalate issues or delays appropriately to ensure resolution and maintain progress.
• Collaborative: Engages constructively with colleagues, challenges ideas respectfully, and contributes to a positive team dynamic.
• Relationship Building: Builds and maintains strong internal and external networks, with a clear understanding of customer needs and expectations.
• Change Advocate: Proactively supports and contributes to change initiatives and continuous improvement efforts within the team and broader business environment.

Planning and Decision Making:

• Applies imaginative, practical, and thorough problem-solving approaches that align with Smiths Detection’s objectives and operational goals.
• Develops effective solutions by leveraging industry best practices, internal documentation standards, and collaborative input from fellow user guide and technical writers.

Impact and Scope:

• Demonstrates the ability to deliver successful outcomes within a complex, global matrix organisation.
• Independently manages documentation workstreams, ensuring high-quality end-user content that supports and enhances Smiths Detection’s reputation with customers.
• Makes decisions that have a significant and lasting impact on documentation processes, user experience, and overall project outcomes.

Key Internal and External Relationships:

• Establish and maintain stakeholder relationships both internally and externally.

Additional Information

We offer…

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)