HP Product Development Manager II

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!

JOB TITLE: Product Developer II – HP Consumable Develop

FUNCTION: Operations

SUB FUNCTION:  Operations - New Categories R&D

CITY & COUNTRY: Malang - Indonesia

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?  

Embracing a creative perspective, coordinate parts of exploratory and commercially focused development projects on Tobacco Heating Product Consumables as vital. This contributes to achieving the innovation roadmap set for the next five years in the constantly evolving portfolio.

The Product Developer II is responsible for completing assigned projects and activities related to new product developments or upgrades within the R&D portfolio for THP. They work with both in-house and outside resources as required to support the commercial vision of the product under development.

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

This role will apply their expertise in the HP space to collaborate with and assist the lead Product Developer. They will contribute to carrying out the validation and science plan related to product development. They will draw on their technical abilities to promote and incorporate improved methods among colleagues and support junior developers in growing their skills.

• Charged with delivering particular parts of the project portfolio in the THP Consumables product development team. This role involves using technical skills to refine processes and strategies within the science team.
• To bring technical proficiency and broad scientific principles to ensure product development is delivered in line with the wider organization’s guidelines.
• Offer technical knowledge in exploratory product development projects, guiding project workstreams to introduce new products and supporting internal development capabilities to achieve the 5-year innovation pipeline.
• Deliver consumer research sample construction and preparation following the project plan, ensuring the samples' physical, chemical, and sensorial quality.
• Drive and coordinate novel product validation in the factories through the Material Qualification System process.
• Partner internally and externally to support in building capabilities and know-how to deliver innovative products that meet consumer/market requirements.
• Work together with internal team members to identify the suitable resource capabilities, such as headcount or funding, required for delivering the product development programmes.
• Support product protection by ensuring secure intellectual property and collaborating with the LEX department on patents. Confirm all new technologies or processes receive adequate protection aligned with the overall IP Strategy.
• Contribute to and lead aspects of the technical development and validation of new THP Consumable products.
• Work in close partnership with the Senior Product Developer to implement product development science plan based on regulatory compliance requirements and consumer preference.
• Confirm on-schedule and comprehensive delivery of specifications for new products or product alterations following project and plan deadlines and launch dates that achieve business aims.
• Collaborate with multiple internal departments, such as Commercial, Quality, Manufacturing, and Operations, to support these functions through the scale-up and commercialisation phases of the development.
• Support the growth and skill improvement of resources within the team, improving technical knowledge and improving accuracy and quality of development projects.

ESSENTIAL

Experience Required

• Extensive knowledge and practical experience in Fast Moving Consumer Goods product development and manufacturing processes, preferably connected to Tobacco/THP.
• Knowledge and experience in consumer-product insights, consumer research implementation, and interpreting outcomes. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; capable of influencing internal and external significant partners and collaborators up to mid/senior level.
• Ability to demonstrate project management experience, understanding of analytical data from various sources of product testing, and translate inferred data into information for recommendation or decision-making.
• Ability to meet deadlines based on project demands, showing technical curiosity combined with problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Demonstrated background in Fast Moving Consumer Goods Product Development.
• Understanding of Consumer Research build and impact in the overall development process.
• Basic understanding of regulation and adherence requirements.
• Fundamental understanding of intellectual property and identifying when to protect innovations.
• A passion for applying specialist FMCG product knowledge to refine operational approaches.
• Proven talent for building relationships and conveying information clearly across various departments and collaborators.
• Planning and implementation skills.
• Open to quickly shifting priorities and challenges, able to think clearly under pressure and explore new solutions and approaches.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of assigned projects/activities.
• Skilled at thinking quickly and creatively to overcome new challenges and develop alternative methods of working.
• Experience in a supervisory position would be beneficial, with a proven track record to guide junior team members, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Able to develop both individual and team technical capabilities.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant technical field of study, or equivalent skills developed through industrial experience.

BENEFICIAL

• Ideally experience in product development of tobacco products: casings and flavourings, cigarette build, primary and secondary manufacturing processing.

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.