Senior Packaging 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 cann’t wait, let’s shape it together! British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Packaging Manager Fixed Term in Southampton What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

Responsible for the development, validation, and delivery of a portfolio of technical packaging discovery projects, which will require an exceptional understanding of a broad range of packaging materials, processing technologies and packaging solutions. They will also be able to show thought leadership and technical excellence in the areas of packaging and packaging materials, especially in the key areas of innovation, sustainability, and circularity.

Experience of working in these areas with Universities, Start-ups and established suppliers is crucial, as well as a strong background of demonstrable experience of working in FMCG companies delivering materials innovation into those businesses. What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization? The Role holder will be the go-to expert on packaging materials and processing, delivering technical excellence and robust science.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Technical leadership to all business areas relating to specific and complex Packaging Discovery projects.
• Leading scouting activities to find new opportunities in relevant development areas, specifically in new materials
• Lead Technical Review meetings from technical perspective
• Co-ordinate with procurement the introduction of new suppliers; provide technical input for tenders, new supplier identification and qualification
• Own tech block delivery, where needed
• Support IP delivery for packaging

• Demonstrate deep technical and scientific expertise across packaging materials, with a strong understanding of packaging innovation and the IP landscape.
• Deliver complex packaging development projects effectively, handling multiple tasks and meeting defined timelines.
• Apply validated knowledge of mass manufacturing and assembly processes across a range of packaging formats.
• Leverage external partnerships, including experience working with universities, startups, and other innovation ecosystems, to drive packaging advancements.
• Demonstrate leadership in scouting, ideating, and integrating innovative solutions into the discovery project pipeline, demonstrating strong creative and technical problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external partners on complex projects, supported by excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Apply strong Microsoft Office expertise and Packaging Action Standards to deliver high-quality, consistent project outcomes.
• Materials science based degree or equivalent experience

• 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
• Benefits
  • Meal Voucher/ Canteen as per location
  • Private Pension
  • Life & Health Insurance
  • Yearly bonus based on the ABS
  • Family support policy
  • Office perks
  • Flexible policy as per agreed Second Level agreement.