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 Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a Head of Invention Strategy COE in Southampton
Invention Strategy Centre of Excellence (IS COE) is responsible for overall quality and impact of inventions made by BAT’s New Categories R&D, to meet our ambition of Winning the IP Landscape.
The Invention Strategy Manager is responsible for leading the design, execution, and continuous improvement of the company’s invention creation and submission framework, ensuring BAT’s inventions are strategically aligned to create competitive advantage to BAT Group. This role drives cross-functional and cross-category scenario planning, and translates these scenarios into actionable strategies for technology, patent, and business decision-making. Key objectives include mapping the competitive landscape, simulating market scenarios, running cross-functional workshops, analysing outcomes, support decision making. The role also involves leading creation of new inventions in identified gaps, where needed.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Lead the development and delivery of BAT’s invention framework, integrating technology roadmaps, competitive intelligence, patent analysis, and market trends into scenario planning.
- Lead cross-functional workshops, ensuring robust participation from R&D, patents, commercial, and M&A teams, to simulate competitor moves and market disruptions, stress-testing and technology roadmaps.
- Analyze workshop outcomes, identify strategic risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to strengthen BAT’s competitive position.
- Draft and submit high-quality Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs) based on sprint outcomes and inventor inputs.
Other:
- Governance: Leading workshops, driving actionable and accurate insights.
- Customer Satisfaction: Feedback scores from participants on meeting effectiveness of outcomes.
- Budget Adherence: % of projects delivered within designated budget.
What are we looking for?
Experience Required
- Extensive experience in international blue‑chip FMCG or entrepreneurial, consumer‑facing organizations, with strong exposure to R&D and commercial environments, including strategy, innovation, competitive intelligence, and cross‑functional collaboration across functions such as Marketing, Procurement, or Finance.
- Demonstrated leadership in cross‑functional initiatives, including facilitating strategic workshops and working closely with patent attorneys to drive the strategic use of patents in support of business and innovation objectives.
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
- Strategic and analytical capability to influence long‑term business growth, including expertise in scenario planning, market analysis, and the synthesis of complex data into actionable recommendations.
- Strong project management and delivery skills, with the ability to drive transformation and change in fast‑paced, dynamic environments.
- Excellent partner management, communication, and collaboration skills, operating effectively across matrix organisations and diverse cultures.
- Proven leadership across interdisciplinary teams, including expertise in meeting facilitation, agenda setting, and driving clear, actionable outcomes.
- Financial competence, including experience in forecasting, evaluating business impact, and supporting informed decision‑making.
Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree, as well as certifications demonstrating financial competence and innovation delivery knowledge
Beneficial
- Knowledge of AI-driven scenario simulation tools / Agentic AI demonstrated either by certifications or successfully developed Agent examples.
- Experience in application of patent law, patent-related processes and documentation, including invention creation, patent drafting, patent prosecution and patent litigation (inc. oppositions).
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.
