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.