BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. We are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!
British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPER in Southampton
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
The Senior Product Developer will act as the technical lead to steer the execution of projects designed to develop extract-based product specs through guiding internal and external capabilities. The overarching objective of this role is to contribute to the broad R&D 5-year innovation pipeline and to ensure product development leads to manufacturing scale up and product deploy launch.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- To act as the technical lead in steering exploratory product development projects and coordinating project workstreams to deliver the 5-year innovation pipeline.
- To partner with science function to implement the product development science plan based on regulatory compliance requirements and consumer preference.
- To partner internally and externally to support in building capabilities and know how to deliver innovative extract-based substrates and products that meet consumer/market requirements.
- To have ownership of a full platform, leading the execution of the overall platform pipeline and ensuring developing technologies can be scaled up and have marketability.
- To ensure that all novel developed products are protected by secure IP, partnering with the LEX department for patent work, and that any new technology or process is adequately protected in line with the wider IP Strategy.
- To work with multiple internal departments, such as Operations and Manufacturing teams, for feedback on product scalability.
- To design and drive Consumer research and sensory evaluations according to Project needs, in partnership with corresponding functions.
- Closely supervise emerging extraction format innovations and potential external partners.
What are we looking for?
Experience Required
- Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence internal and external key partners & team members up to senior level.
- Track record – previous strong experience – of R&D product development across categories.
- Planning and implementation skills & ability to manage a portfolio of projects.
- Knowledge and experience of consumer-product insights and product research.
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
- Strong managerial/leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead/empower team members, supervising performance and ensuring high quality outputs.
- Able to influence and coordinate cross-functional teams, including internal and key external partnerships, critical in the delivery of programs and initiatives to ensure the most effective use of internal/external resource/expertise.
- Understanding of science plan timescales and product launch sensitivities.
- Decoding of Consumer Research results into actionable activities to improve products based on consumer’s feedback.
- Evidence of impactful experience as demonstrated by high-quality publications and patents.
- Ability to identify and use key opportunities for intellectual property.
Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required
- Advance qualification in a relevant field of study (i.e., PhD, Masters, engineering, etc).
- Strong background in chemistry or natural product research is highly desirable.
What we offer you?
• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.
We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.