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Senior Flavourist

Southampton, United Kingdom

Contract Type Permanent
Career Level Experienced Professional
Function 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 Flavourist

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 FLAVOURIST in Southampton

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?  

This role uses flavour science and sensory perception expertise to lead technical work to develop new flavours and flavour ranges across a range of categories and platforms which meet marketing, product development and regulatory criteria.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?

Leads and develops the capabilities and expertise of a team of flavourists to deliver and support the wider business and product pipeline needs.

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • To collaborate with marketing and product development, taking a brief for flavours or flavour development across a range of platforms and use specific expertise in flavours to develop a specification and development programme.
  • Provide technical leadership to deliver work to develop a flavour, range of flavours or flavour options that meet the needs and specifications from marketing and product development specifications, so that concepts can be scaled up and manufactured to meet launch targets.
  • Use flavour science and sensory expertise to support and develop Flavourists working on flavour development to increase the flavour expertise and capability within BAT.
  • Collaborate across functions including Product Development, S&RA, Procurement, Quality Assurance and Manufacturing, as well as external vendors, to deliver successful outcomes within specified timelines.
  • Ensure the confidentiality of all flavour ingredients and compositions which ensure the uniqueness of BAT flavours.
  • Develop the skills and capabilities of the flavourists to enhance and maximise the specialism to build the uniqueness and consistency of the BAT product flavours.

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

  • Displays a track-record of creating and developing flavours across a number of categories and platforms.
  • Significant experience in flavour development and sensory perception.
  • Detailed knowledge and experience of flavour regulatory requirements on a global basis.
  • Proven ability to work with external partners such as marketing and product development and to smooth internal processes and barriers.
  • Proven ability to effectively integrate the diverse consumer insights into the flavour development requirements in both the short and long term
  • Proven excellent project management, time management, team collaboration, and organizational skills
  • Proven track record in delivering product innovation at the interface with third parties

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

  • Strong managerial/leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead/motivate team members, monitoring 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 programmes and initiatives to ensure the most effective use of internal/external resource/expertise
  • A deep understanding of the science and chemistry of flavours.
  • A high level of sensory perception and experience of working with flavours and flavour combinations.
  • Experience across a breadth of categories (not necessarily all) and multiple platforms to be able to advise the business about the flavour possibilities and alternatives to achieve product development and market objectives.
  • Understanding and experience of the regulations affecting flavours across the world.
  • Emerging and developed markets experience
  • Training, developing and supporting the capabilities of Flavourists in the centre of expertise.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

  • Degree-level qualification in a relevant field of study (i.e., chemistry)

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

Our 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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At our core, we understand your best work happens when you feel fully supported. Our meticulously
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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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