Innovation Program Manager (18 months fixed term)

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!

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role? 

• New Categories (NC) Operations covers 30+ markets 3 Commercial Regions and the US, a diverse range of cultures and volatile operating environments.
• Each Product Category has an extensive Cycle-plan of launch activities sought at introducing New-to-World, Line Extension, Limited Edition and Upgraded products throughout the year.
• The NC Innovation Project Manager is responsible for the delivery of several NPI projects that form part of the NC NPI portfolio. The NC portfolio consists of a variety of initiatives that include the development of new Product platforms, launching platforms in new markets, development of new variants and changes / improvements to products in market.
• Whilst Project ownership typically resides with the Brand group managers, this role is the single point of contact for assigned projects and is accountable to ensure that all aspects of the projects are coordinated and handled on behalf of the Project Owner.
• Working closely with department leads from Marketing, R&D and Operations, the job holder will be responsible for prioritising, planning, and delivering assigned projects to challenging timescales to support Global Cycle plans whilst ensuring compliance to the agreed governance model.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Handling assigned Category NPI projects (CAP3) to deliver agreed Cycle Plan to time, cost and quality according to the defined NPI principles.
• Ensure that centrally driven NC initiatives are collected and controlled using the defined NPI process.
• Establish cross-functional project teams engaging with the relevant subject areas and securing the resources required to deliver the project.
• Responsible for ensuring clear, actionable, plans and breakthroughs are agreed, and all relevant protocols and documents are completed prior to submission for stage gate decisions.
• Conducting scoping and feasibility reviews to ensure that project plans are achievable and aligned to business operational plans.
• Supervise overall project progress and delivery status, resolving issues and initiating corrective action as appropriate.
• Working with the Project Owner to build an appropriate business case for NPI projects and coordinate the PAC (Platform Aligned Committee) meeting.
• Effectively managing risks and issues with plans to mitigate or escalate as appropriate at PAC and Senior Category Forum.

What are we looking for?

• Relevant operations line management and Project Management experience in FMCG Supply Chain.
• Strong project management skills (Preferably Prince 2 or equivalent)
• Ability to manage cross functional teams effectively of varying levels of seniority outside of direct line organizational structures.
• Proven operations project manager
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to influence partners across the commercial and operational business including suppliers.
• Good attention to detail is required together with the ability to plan and manage activity and interdependencies across many workstreams.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant area.

Beneficial

• Prior experience of New Product Introduction, operations / supply chain management in consumer goods and electronics industry
• Factory / Engineering background - conceptual understanding of engineering solutions to meet innovation needs.
• Experience and or knowledge of Modern Oral products and their manufacturing processes.

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.