HP Substrate Developer

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 HP SUBSTRATE DEVELOPER in Southampton

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role? 

The HP Substrate Developer role sits within New Categories R&D Consumable Discovery Group and reports to a Senior HP Substrate Developer.

The role is responsible for the delivery of defined innovation work‑packages or technology blocks, depending on complexity, risk and business criticality, supporting Horizon 2 and 3 Heated Products and Cross Category pipelines. Where assigned, the HP Substrate Developer II may act as technology block lead for scoped, lower‑to‑moderate complexity initiatives, operating under agreed governance and senior technical oversight.

The role applies strong chemistry‑led thinking, material science fundamentals and processing knowledge to develop, test and optimise Heated Products substrate solutions. The HP Substrate Developer II contributes to the delivery of robust, scalable and compliant consumable substrates, ensuring alignment with product performance, manufacturing, cost, ESG and workplace EHS requirements within BAT’s PLM and 4D innovation frameworks.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?

The HP Substrate Developer contributes directly to the quality, pace and robustness of substrate‑led innovation delivery, supporting technology block sufficiency for HP and Cross Category product pipelines and strengthening BAT’s substrate innovation capability.

Your key responsibilities will include:

TECHNICAL DELIVERY & EXECUTION

• Execute or lead (where assigned) substrate innovation work‑packages or technology blocks, accountable for delivery of agreed scope, quality and timelines through Scope, Invent and Verify phases of PLM, with governance appropriate to complexity.
• Where acting as technology block lead, the HP Substrate Developer II is accountable for defining and executing the technical plan for the assigned scope, coordinating technical activities, managing interfaces and risks, and ensuring alignment to defined objectives and escalation routes.
• Execute substrate formulation trials, development and optimization activities in line with approved technical direction and experimental plans.
• Generate high‑quality experimental data, analysis and technical documentation to support decision making and progression of technology blocks.

SUBSTRATE CHEMISTRY & PROCESSING APPLICATION

• Apply solid understanding of substrate chemistry and material science, including formulation chemistry, material interactions and structure–property relationships.
• Apply practical knowledge of processing technologies relevant to HP substrates (e.g. forming, extrusion, coating, gelation, drying or composite processing) to ensure substrates are technically robust and scalable.
• Support investigation and resolution of substrate performance issues through structured experimentation and chemistry‑led root cause analysis.

QUALITY, COMPLIANCE & EHS

• Deliver technical outputs in compliance with BAT internal standards, applicable external legal frameworks and workplace EHS requirements.
• Ensure substrate innovation activities consider manufacturability, cost, scalability and ESG expectations, escalating risks or constraints as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records, data integrity and technical documentation in line with governance requirements.

COLLABORATION & DEVELOPMENT

• Collaborate effectively with Senior HP Substrate Developers, other Substrate developers, Blenders, technologists and cross‑functional partners including Process Technology, Flavours & Extracts, Manufacturing Innovation and external suppliers.
• Actively develop technical capability through coaching, feedback and exposure to increasingly complex substrate innovation & development challenges.

What are we looking for?

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Demonstrated experience within R&D, product or material development environments, with exposure to adjacent substrates related development environments.
• Practical experience in substrate development, material formulation or chemistry‑driven product development, ideally within regulated or quality‑controlled settings.
• Hands‑on experience with processing technologies relevant to consumable or substrate development.
• Experience delivering defined work‑packages or leading scoped technical activities within structured development frameworks.
• Exposure to laboratory, pilots or small‑scale processing environments.

TECHNICAL / FUNCTIONAL / LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• Solid technical understanding of substrate chemistry and how material choices and processing steps influence product performance.
• Ability to execute experimental work with scientific rigour, attention to detail and a strong safety mindset.
• Analytical capability to interpret data, identify trends and support technical conclusions.
• Good planning and organisational skills, managing multiple assigned tasks and priorities.
• Clear technical communication skills, including documentation and presentation of results.
• Willingness to learn, take feedback and progressively build autonomy and technical depth.

KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of HP substrate systems, material behaviour, chemistry and substrate processing concepts.
• Awareness of HP and Cross Category product architectures and performance expectations.
• Awareness of external legal frameworks, internal BAT standards, ESG expectations and workplace EHS requirements relevant to consumable development.
• Understanding of BAT Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) processes and innovation governance.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree‑level qualification in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

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.