Platform Technical Specialist

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!

Ensures the day-to-day delivery of a set of services by third party IT providers to BAT’s EP (Enterprise Platforms) Corporate & HR functions such as Finance, Legal and Human Resources. This includes reviewing and optimising the quality and of the service provided by the suppliers using standard service management methodologies, including continued service improvement. The role involves collaborating with representatives from functional IT and users to review service performance. It will lead efforts to improve processes and assist in implementing new support requirements and solutions. Ensures that changes deployed are in line with standards. Engages with suppliers to ensure proactive maintenance is carried out. Provides technical advice based on day-to-day operational experience to projects and architecture functions to improve standards and future solutions. This role ensures that the BAT specific intellectual property is maintained beyond projects.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Handle ongoing service delivery and service support to meet agreed customer requirements; conduct internal and external service review meetings; handle partner concerns within the area.
• Drive improvement activities in partnership with user communities, third parties and internal IT organisation; support and give to Continuous Service Improvement Process (CISP); handle system stabilisations, service improvements and implementation of innovations.
• Support internal incident management organisations and collaborator management; evaluate business risks and issues related to operational incidents, potential changes and internal audit reports; assist in RCA completion and supervise preventive action's implementation.
• Provide input and recommend robust solutions to meet business requirements; agree with end markets and support teams to implement technical and functional activities.
• Apply processes to handle modifications and maintain global standards. Support release and deployment management, service transition, and service operations. Ensure changes meet established processes, governance, and criteria.
• Handle the change lifecycle including requirements collection, fit-gap evaluation, impact assessment, governance approvals, transition and post-implementation support; support implementation of new services and ongoing changes; ensure supplier readiness for support and knowledge transfer completion.
• Collaborate with project teams in planning and preparation of environments and quality control of changes; analyse and review vendor performance against contracts and OLA/SLAs; evaluate and approve estimates provided by third-party service providers.
• Build, implement and supervise governance controls (SOx, GDPR, IT Security); support audit activities and remediation actions;handle execution of periodic activities such as DR tests, certificate renewals and related activities.

What are we looking for?

• Proven track record in SAP/Azure platform within project implementation or support organizations. Exposure to SAP SuccessFactors or Fieldglass is an added advantage. Degree or equivalent experience with at least 5 years in an IT Services environment.  
• Exposure to the full lifecycle development process from build through implementation and production support, including business requirement gathering, fit-gap analysis, solution build, implementation, testing (FUT, SIT, UAT, RT), data conversion, and solution support.
• Background in large global organizations collaborating with both in-sourced and out-sourced IT service providers, and participating in large-scale global projects with collaborators from multiple countries and backgrounds.  
• Consistent record of collaborating with user representatives and communicating with non-IT personnel. Committed to learning modern technologies and collaboration techniques. Works across functions and delivery teams to create effective ways of working and positive relationship dynamics.  
• Superb communication and collaboration abilities with partners worldwide. Proficient in written and spoken English. Skilled in analysis and negotiation for conflict resolution, handling interested parties, discussing budgets, and vendor relations.  
• Experience working in regulated environments, preferably SOx and GDPR, or countries with high standards of data protection; good understanding of SOX and how it applies within IT; ability to work with integrated applications including Software as a Service (SaaS).
• Knowledge of ITIL processes and procedures, processes for handling updates and implementation lifecycle/stages; ITIL V4 or equivalent certification required, with ITIL professional certifications beneficial.
• Knowledge of DevOps, Agile and SAFe processes and their application in global enterprise organizations; Agile or DevOps methodologies desirable; DevSecOps, Agile and ITIL training certifications would be beneficial.

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.