BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
The Mechanical GSM is responsible for the deployment of the global sourcing strategy for Mechanical categories in scope, specifically:
- Category strategy deployment against a three-year outlook together with sourcing strategies
- Innovation, industry trends, and compliance reporting (including commercial risk management and contractual pipeline)
- Developing supplier-led innovation platforms to support Horizons 1 to 3 needs (1 - 5 years and beyond), particularly across mechanical systems, components, and manufacturing technologies
- Managing supplier evaluation with a focus on supplier selection, design-for-manufacture, commercial excellence, IP, and compliance from conception to POP stage
- Strong collaboration with global BAT teams (R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing) to deliver sourcing and product integration objectives
- Key partner supplier relationship management across mechanical supply base
- Building and maintaining peer group and external market network maps
- Driving innovation for the business by supporting and enhancing BAT mechanical and product development initiatives
- Embedding ESG considerations into strategic sourcing, material selection, and supplier decisions
What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?
Delivering the sourcing channels and supply base for Mechanical categories as part of the overall category strategy, ensuring delivery of defined business targets while supporting key stakeholders through a structured supplier management programme. This role directly underpins product design feasibility, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
- Define global sourcing strategies for Mechanical categories to achieve business objectives over a three-year horizon
- Lead global and regional contract management to deliver robust terms with lowest commercial risk and optimal value
- Build strong supplier relationships and manage supplier pool selection across mechanical components, assemblies, and manufacturing processes
- Drive innovation pipeline through collaboration with engineering, R&D, and external suppliers (including platforming and modularisation approaches)
- Support Design-to-Cost (DtC), Design-for-Manufacture (DfM), and Design-for-Assembly (DfA) initiatives with suppliers and engineering teams
- Drive procurement transformation to ensure future readiness, including adoption of digital tools, simulation, and advanced manufacturing technologies
- Adhere to BAT policies, procedures, and behavioural standards (SoBC)
- Act as an expert in communicating Mechanical category strategies to internal stakeholders at all levels
- Challenge and disrupt traditional procurement methods to unlock innovation in materials, manufacturing techniques, and supply chain models
- Leverage supplier capabilities and technological advancements (e.g. precision engineering, tooling, automation, additive manufacturing) to create competitive advantage
- Manage, where required, Mechanical tech blocks, including governance of RDAs, NDAs, Project Briefs, and SoWs, ensuring adherence, tracking progress, and managing spend
- Work cross-functionally to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including product safety and material compliance standards
- Define sourcing strategies for key mechanical components (e.g. housings, tooling, assemblies, structural parts) across product categories
- Ensure ESG commitments (e.g. sustainable materials, waste reduction, responsible sourcing) are embedded within supplier strategies and aligned to BAT global targets
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE
ESSENTIAL
Experience Required
- Detailed knowledge of the mechanical supply market, including materials, manufacturing technologies, tooling, and automation, along with competitor activity and trends
- Strong category expertise with proven capability in supplier management within mechanical engineering domains
- Experience in developing and managing complex, multi-country sourcing strategies, contracts, and agreements
- Full understanding of total acquisition cost models, including tooling, capex, lifecycle cost, and manufacturing cost drivers
- Experience managing complex global and regional programmes delivering performance improvements and value creation
- Sound understanding of applicable regulations and standards (e.g. product safety, materials compliance)
- Proven experience managing large-scale, cross-functional projects spanning R&D, engineering, and manufacturing
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
- Strong knowledge of mechanical category landscape: supply base, cost drivers, manufacturing processes, and innovation levers
- Ability to act as a technical and commercial bridge between engineering and procurement
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across global, cross-functional teams
- Advanced negotiation and influencing capability with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers
- Strong analytical, commercial, and numerical capability
- Ability to build effective partnerships across cultures and functions
- Focused on delivering functional objectives, innovation outcomes, and KPI performance
- Curious mindset with openness to new technologies (e.g. advanced manufacturing, automation, lightweight materials)
Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required
- Degree-level education (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline
- CIPS Corporate Diploma in Purchasing and/or membership of The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (or equivalent) is an advantage
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.
Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of 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, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.
We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an 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.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.
