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 an Invention Strategy Project Manager 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 Project Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating activities within the Invention Strategy Centre of Excellence (IS COE). This role ensures seamless execution of IS COE projects, supplier management, and the creation of AI agents to support COE operations. The position requires strong project management skills, collaborator and team engagement, and the ability to integrate technical and digital solutions to improve invention strategy processes.
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
- On time and in full maintenance of IS COE task database, planned carefully to deliver the IS COE benchmarks.
- On-time delivery of IS COE projects including a full understanding and analysis of background art in relevant technical field highlighting potential invention opportunities.
- Quality of Invention Disclosure Forms submitted.
- Timely creation and successful implementation and adoption (or revision as required) of AI agents within COE.
- Supplier performance metrics and compliance.
- Customer satisfaction and engagement levels.
- Continuous improvement initiatives completed.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Project manage activities for the Invention Strategy Centre of Excellence (IS COE), ensuring timely delivery of objectives and benchmarks.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and capturing outputs for patent protection, including analyzing the background art by researching relevant technical field and identifying invention opportunities.
- Draft and submit high-quality Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs) based on inventor inputs.
- Manage external suppliers, including onboarding, performance tracking, and ensuring compliance with BAT standards.
- Lead initiatives to build AI agents for COE use, gathering requirements from team members and collaborating with digital teams for implementation.
- Maintain project documentation and timelines, both for internal COE purposes and for sharing with collaborators under the PLM systems to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Facilitate regular meetings and workshops, driving actionable outcomes and continuous improvement.
- Support capability building within the COE by coordinating trainings on sharing standard methodologies, internal/external trainings for team members on new tools and processes.
What are we looking for?
Experience Required
- Proven experience in project management within R&D or innovation‑focused environments, including managing external suppliers, contracts, and delivery of complex, multi‑stakeholder activities.
- Demonstrated capability in technical desktop research and digital enablement, including analysis of background art (patents, literature, products) and a strong understanding of AI tools and digital solutions to support process automation.
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
- Strong scientific expertise, demonstrated through hands‑on research experience and/or a PhD or equivalent experience in a research-based domain.
- Demonstrated understanding of patent law requirements, including invention processes, documentation, and patent‑related workflows.
- Proven track record to manage multiple projects and customers simultaneously, applying robust project coordination and prioritisation skillsExcellent communication, facilitation, and collaborator engagement skills, enabling effective collaboration. on.
- Initiative, sound decision‑making, and resilience in fast‑paced, dynamic environments.
- Strong analytical and creative problem‑solving skills, with proficiency in AI tools to support delivery and innovation.
Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a scientific field is required, with a PhD highly desirable.
- Relevant professional certifications are highly desirable, including Project Management (e.g. PMP, Prince2), patentability‑related qualifications, and Agentic AI / LLM systems certifications.
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.
