Supplier Quality Development Manager

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?  

• Responsible for embedding the quality assurance framework and monitoring of procedures and product quality standards and performance for supplier quality management across FMC, THP Cons, Modern Oral & liquids categories, handling operational capabilities & readiness of our supply base end-to-end across our supply chain and quality management of our suppliers and third-party partners.
• Development and deployment of strategic supplier Quality development & improvements programmes; Leading and driving value driven continual improvement programmes and initiatives toward improvement on consumer satisfaction, quality consistency, manufacturing efficiency & cost of quality.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Single point of contact for any DRBu & end market issues with responsibility for oversee effective supplier and materials quality management; Lead the delivery of activities related to Supplier Quality and end-to-end supplier & materials performance and suppliers capabilities development.
• Define & manage the deployment of Quality processes and tools that enable the organisation and our suppliers to ensure our products are fit for purpose, quality performance, consumer satisfaction, that meet external regulations and internal/consumer quality standards.
• Manage the supplier workstreams including supplier reporting, auditing programmes and continual improvement; Recognizing findings and observations during evaluations and drive timely closure of NCs through the RCA & CAPA.
• Handle and deliver reporting of information from manufacturing sites, DRBUs, EMs, and from external suppliers to key participants by collaborating with the central category management and cross functional workstreams.
• Lead the Quality aspect of our supplier Selection, Qualification, and approval in close collaboration with procurement and operations and manage third-party supply improvement activities;
• Support the continuous improvement and development of the supplier base in line with the overall quality strategy and assess suppliers’ capability in line with BAT supplier quality partnership and development strategy.
• Run the delivery of assigned projects to agreed time, quality, and cost; Identify risks and ensure adequate mitigation and communication to guarantee a successful delivery.
• Suppliers and Materials performance evaluation and identification of continuous improvement opportunities, Improvement plan by strategic supplier and ensure implementation of RCA/CAPA for top losses, providing follow up, visibility and effectiveness to LTs and Senior Stakeholders.
• Provide Quality guidance and support to Above Market Quality & Quality DRBus teams related to Suppliers and Materials Quality incidents and appropriate corrective and preventive actions in collaboration with Operations;
• Promote suppliers & materials quality improvements, cost reduction, ESG and simplification opportunities, and support supplier qualification, audit programmes, capability assessments, and process optimization initiatives.

What are we looking for? 

• Solid understanding of statistical analysis of quality data and reporting & problem solving, design of experiments, statistical process control (SPC) by using Six-sigma tools and Continual Improvement Tools.
• Operations and Quality experience at manufacturing and above market teams.
• Experience in quality management and supporting innovation and performance continuous improvement.
• Good knowledge of statistical/data analysis of quality data and reporting. Ability to analyse data, identify patterns, interpret metrics, and generate actionable insights
• Good understanding of consumer-centric quality management principles, design of new processes, standards management, and supply chain models.
• Excellent project management, planning, and operational implementation skills, with experience contributing to continuous improvement practices and managing complex issues independently.
• Strong influencing, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills across diverse cultures, locations, and time zones, with the ability to work effectively across functions, locations, and projects.
• Leadership skills with the capacity to influence cross-functional Senior Stakeholders; ability to prioritize, complete tasks, and make sound decisions.
• Significant experience working in a FMCG company, preferably in highly regulated environment (e.g. pharmaceutical, healthcare, or personal care).

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.