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Senior Director Packaging Materials and Sustainability

Southampton, United Kingdom

Contract Type Permanent
Career Level Experienced Professional
Functions Operations
Salary Range Competitive salary
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Why Operations? Overview

Why Operations?

We intelligently connect our teams globally enabling thinking beyond conventional boundaries. We share knowledge at an unfathomable pace, facilitate cross-functional collaboration and transform processes to create the world’s best operational network. Our work enables our experts to feel in control of their ability to explore New Categories, acquire fresh expertise and accelerate the rate at which they can deliver results.

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Why BAT?

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers - It's one of the many reasons we have been named as a Global Top Employer for the eighth consecutive year.

We believe that Leadership shouldn’t be confined to titles. It’s a mindset and through our leading Learning and Development programmes, you’ll continuously develop your skills and experience. With our unwavering support, you’ll work in cross functional teams connecting with industry leaders and expanding your professional network.

Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

A Better Tomorrow

Building a Smokeless World is no small feat—it’s fueled by the collective efforts of talented individuals, each bringing their unique perspective. This is the most innovative chapter in BAT’s history, and you can help shape it.

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Senior Director Packaging Materials and Sustainability

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!

British American TobaccoUK has an exciting opportunity for a : Senior Director Packaging Materials and Sustainability in Southampton

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

Leadership of cross-brand materials and sustainability team, responsible for developing a pipeline of leading edge packaging material and format solutions, accountable for packaging regulation readiness and circularity metrics.

The Role holder will be accountable of the following:

  • Pipeline of tech blocks across all BAT categories
  • Packaging IP landscaping and wargaming
  • PPWR workstream delivery
  • Cross-category packaging sustainability projects
  •  Packaging circularity

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Lead the materials and sustainability team
  • Responsible for the development of the breakthrough tech block pipeline, based on the jobs to be done and consumer needs to support long-term growth
  • Lead Invention strategy for packaging, IP monitoring and wargaming activities
  • Proactively engage with all categories and insights team to build, lead and drive Horizon 2 and Horizon 3 workstreams for packaging
  • Responsible for the design studio in Southampton; build an inspiring space for innovation, prototyping and fast testing new insights
  • Embed Design Thinking in Packaging innovation and lead collaboration with the Design Function
  • Develop strong partnerships with an ecosystem of suppliers, agencies and academic institutions to enable breakthrough joint development partnerships
  • Engage with internal and external sustainability institutions, certification bodies, regulators etc
  • Lead cross category sustainability projects in new materials and/or formats
  • Accountable for PPWR delivery (and other relevant workstreams), ensuring all packaging action plans are in place
  • Ensure packaging circularity metrics are developed and met. Main point of contact on all packaging commitments delivery.
  • Represent Packaging Innovation in all relevant internal and external circularity forums

What are we looking for?

Technical/Functional/Leadership Experience Required

Technical

  • Minimum 15 years in FMCG/Healthcare/Pharma R&D experience with at least 8+ in management and leadership position, preferably in a similar front-end/sustainability role
  • Deeply networked with suppliers, academia, research institutes and FEI partners, landing multiple breakthrough innovations in the market and generating IP
  • Proven track record in deep understanding of consumer insights and ability to decode consumer ‘needs and wants’

Functional

  • Mastery in material science and good knowledge in packaging formats and conversion technologies
  • Advanced knowledge of digital modelling and simulation platforms for packaging development to predict performance and accelerate time-to-market
  • Demonstrated invention strategy for packaging
  • Good working experience with global packaging regulations and demonstrated experience of delivering strategy of compliance
  • Good working experience with packaging circularity tools as enablers to identify material opportunities and design opportunities
  • Proven leadership in delivering globally scalable packaging sustainable solutions
  • Active participation and/or membership in external institutions like Recyclass, APR, Plastics Pact

Leadership

  • Strong though leadership, organizational savviness, effective communication and influencing
  •  Strategic, forward thinking and curious
  • Track record of team leadership and talent development

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.

Apply Now

Values

At BAT, our values show us the way to bring our purpose to life. Serving as our compass, they navigate every aspect of our path towards A Better Tomorrow™ defining how we innovate, grow, and achieve success while setting high standards for individual achievement and collective progress. Rooted in integrity and collaboration, they empower us as pioneers of change in a world that never stands still ensuring we shape BAT's legacy with confidence and purpose.

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  • Truly inclusive
  • Do the right thing
  • Love for our consumer
  • Passion to win
  • Empowered through trust
  • Stronger together
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Take Control of Your Future with BAT

At BAT, we’re committed to more than just jobs, we’re dedicated to purposeful careers.

We believe that everyone has a place in our organisation. Whether you are seeking mentorship, diversifying your experience through international assignments or embracing innovative work methods, we’re here to propel your career aspirations and unleash your full potential.

We believe in you.
Join us at BAT, where purpose meets possibility, and your career story unfolds.

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“One of my job responsibilities is leading initiatives that develop new capabilities for our operations team. In our Nairobi factory, we’re devoted to closing gaps and reducing losses that might happen in manufacturing processes and improving operational results.”

Benefits

At our core, we understand your best work happens when you feel fully supported. Our meticulously
designed reward and benefits package are shaped to acknowledge your contributions and to magnify
your impact. As you grow, so do we.

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Social Wellbeing

Wellbeing is better when it’s shared. Benefits that foster a sense of community and connection among employees. The more time we make to give back and share what it means to live well with the communities around us, the closer we’ll be to them. We encourage positive social interactions inside and outside BAT, enhance collaboration, and create a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and connected.

Emotional Wellbeing

Balancing work and life to help you recharge and stay resilient. Benefits and initiatives that are designed to bolster our employees' mental health. At BAT we're fostering a culture of to help our employees to better manage life’s pressures and build resilience, no matter what life throws your way.

Physical Wellbeing

Good health is the cornerstone that allows everything else in our lives to align. Benefits that support our employees' physical health, expand coverage where needed it and promote healthy lifestyles, reducing stress and boosting overall energy and productivity.

Financial Wellbeing

Peace of mind is priceless, but it shouldn’t cost the earth. Benefits and initiatives designed to assist you in achieving financial stability and security, empowering you to make well informed financial decisions, alleviate financial stress, and enhance your short and long-term prospects.

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