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.

Report to Supply Chain Initiative Manager Number of Direct Reports No

Core Relationships Internal Supply  Chain: SND, Plan, SNP CoE, DRBU Supply Chain Operations:
Innovation Project Managers, PLM Leads, NPI deploy, GLPManufacturing:
Engineering, Factory Managers Geographic Scope  Global Travel Required Minimal 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, knowledgeESSENTIALExperience 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…