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 Senior Product Developer – Oral Products Development in Southampton
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
The Lead Product Developer will act as the technical lead scientist to steer projects built to develop product and technology specs in oral products. They guide internal and external capabilities. The overarching objective of this role is to contribute to the broad R&D 5-year innovation pipeline, with heavier focus on short term pipeline horizon (1-3 years) and to ensure product development leads to manufacturing scale up and product deploy launch.
What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?
This role manages the product development project and oversees one or more product platforms. It coordinates and develops the scientists leading the initiatives. It liaises with senior collaborators to arrange the required capabilities and funding.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- To function as the technical lead in steering exploratory product development projects, coordinating project workstreams and the internal scientist capabilities to deliver the 5-year innovation pipeline.
- To partner internally and externally to support in building capabilities and know-how to deliver innovative products that meet consumer/market requirements.
- To collaborate closely, lead, and influence internal collaborators to acquire the appropriate resource capabilities, such as headcount or funding, necessary for delivering the product development programmes.
- To have ownership of a full platform, leading the execution of the overall platform pipeline and ensuring developing technologies can be scaled up and have marketability.
- To ensure that all novel developed products are protected by secure IP, partnering with the Legal department for patent work, and that any new technology or process is adequately protected in line with the wider IP Strategy
- To integrate novel materials and processes in the oral product space to ensure novel requirements are identified and integrated into the development protocol and translated to Product functionality.
- To collaborate with multiple internal departments, such as Operations and Manufacturing teams, for feedback on product scalability.
- To demonstrate technical expertise in oral products to upskill internal capabilities in these spaces, building talent and technical depth and breadth within the science teams, as well as to design and drive Consumer research and sensory evaluations according to Project needs, in partnership with corresponding functions.
What are we looking for?
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills in collaboration. Proven track record influencing senior partners inside and outside the organization. Expert in planning, implementing, and leading a portfolio of projects.
- Track record of R&D product experience with a background in product development, including consumer research design and insights interpretation, preferably within oral care, food science/technology, FMCG, or related industries.
- Strong leadership and managerial capability, with a demonstrated history of motivating teams, monitoring performance, and ensuring high-quality outputs.
- Advanced knowledge in chemistry, supporting robust formulation development, problem solving, and translating scientific principles into practical product solutions.
- Capacity to guide and coordinate cross-functional teams and external partners, ensuring effective delivery of programs and efficient use of resources and expertise.
- Solid understanding of project dynamics, including capability utilization, science plan timelines, and product launch sensitivities.
- Experience in product claims development and substantiation, consumer research analysis with actionable insights, and application of analytical testing methodologies to inform product development.
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience qualification or higher in 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.
