Supply Chain Innovation Manager

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!

BAT UKIS LOOKING FOR A SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION MANAGER

JOB TYPE: Permanent

FUNCTION:Operations

SALARY RANGE:Competitive salary package + excellent benefits + market leading bonus

LOCATION:London / Southampton, United Kingdom

Role summary

The Supply Chain Initiative Manager is responsible for assessing, designing, and governing supply chain requirements from Brief to Launch. This role ensures stage gate Supply Chain results are met, supports decision-making and risk management, and serves as the main contact for upstream supply chain, Plan and SND protocol/checklist related to innovation, working with cross-functional teams to establish fit-for-purpose supply chain setups.

Role is based in the UK with flexibility to be based in either London or Southampton office.

Accountabilities

Own the assessment of supply chain and manufacturing complexity, capacity, and feasibility for projects across early PLM stages (POP, POC, POA, DP, SP). Act as the single point of accountability for all Supply Chain checklist items within the GSCA protocol, ensuring early identification and mitigation of supply risks, and alignment to cost, service, and launch readiness objectives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead the development, validation, and approval of contingency sourcing strategies for finished goods (FG), WMS, and critical components to ensure uninterrupted supply. Results: Approved contingency source plans identifying alternative suppliers, manufacturing pathways, and defined risk mitigation actions to protect launch timelines and ongoing production.

• Lead detailed, end-to-end global supply network assessments to identify structural gaps, capacity constraints, and configuration risks. Results: Comprehensive SNA summaries (initial, updated, and post-configuration), formal confirmation that all identified gaps are closed, and validated network builds enabling reliable end-market supply.
• Define and align global inventory strategies in line with demand variability, pipeline requirements, and supply risk exposure. Results: Approved and regularly updated global stock policy assumptions (e.g., pipeline build duration), supporting balanced product availability, optimized working capital, and a stable transition to steady-state operations.
• Establish and align optimized transportation strategies for both launch and steady-state supply, proactively handling logistics risk and cost. Results: Confirmed and updated modes of transport, reduced reliance on air freight where feasible, and logistics plans aligned to service, cost, and risk objectives (including PDP requirements where applicable).
• Assess global demand scenarios against available manufacturing and supply chain capacity, including ramp-up and scalability considerations. Results: G&SI-aligned demand-versus-capacity analyses incorporating risk assessments and mitigation actions, with optimized recommendations balancing cost, delivery, and risk.
• Develop, maintain, and govern detailed supply plans for leaf materials, WMS, and components, ensuring end-to-end readiness across all critical paths. Results: Updated delivery status trackers providing clear transparency of material readiness, risks, and mitigation actions to support timely decision-making. Management E2E of MA and earlier offline component planning
• Validate contingency strategies through structured readiness and activation reviews to ensure rapid response capability in the event of primary supply disruption. Results: Completed and business-aligned contingency validation and readiness plans, with demonstrated capability to activate alternative supply and maintain business continuity.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Timely, In-Full (OTIF) delivery of upstream supply chain assessments and results.
• % of projects passing stage gate reviews with complete supply chain documentation.
• Compliance with Supply chain protocol and governance standards for Breakthrough projects
• Partner happiness with supply chain assessment processes & Efficiency of risk mitigation

Experience, skills, knowledge

ESSENTIAL

Experience Required

• Experience in operations / supply chain management within FMCG or sectors passionate about innovation.
• Consistent record in upstream supply chain assessment and innovation project management.
• Experience in manufacturing, sourcing, logistics, or supply network build.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Effective collaboration and communication across matrix organizations.
• Solid knowledge of the PLM process and deep understanding of the new categories business

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Critical thinking and ability to influence supply chain innovation.
• Expertise in supply chain mapping, risk management, and protocol compliance.
• Financial acuity in budgeting, forecasting, and CAPEX / OPEX management.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in supply chain, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, Prince2, Agile) is highly desirable.

Beneficial

• Experience in upstream innovation management.

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER
Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.