Design Reference Group - Technology & Product Manager

The British American Tobacco Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-leading bonus

Health plans

Flexible holiday plan

Learning & development platforms

Job summary

The British American Tobacco Group is seeking a Design Reference Group - Technology & Product Manager in Southampton to lead standardization across manufacturing platforms. You will collaborate with GPMs, R&D, and procurement to define technical standards for machines and direct materials and to drive global asset repositories.

The role reports to the Global Head of Manufacturing Technology and involves managing multiple partners across geographies while supporting a 4-person direct team.

Qualifications

• Engineering background with BAT technology platforms and materials preferred.
• Proficient in crafting standards for machines, materials and reapplications.
• Experience across geographies and matrixed partner management.

Responsibilities

• Drive machine design and standards in partnership with global teams.
• Build and drive standardization of production platforms across categories.
• Maintain global repository of assets and technical specifications.
• Develop and maintain materials repositories with specs.
• Define technical standards for machine design including electronics and materials.
• Own and run the Centre of Expertise for Technology for machinery.

Skills

Engineering background

Global manufacturing

Standards development

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Graduate or higher

Tools

OEM ecosystem

Materials specifications

Job description

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 UK IS LOOKING FOR A DESIGN REFERENCE GROUP - TECHONOLGY & PRODUCT MANAGER

JOB TYPE: Permanent

FUNCTION: Operations - Manufacturing

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

LOCATION: Southampton, United Kingdom

ROLE SUMMARY

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

• Manufacturing Sites - Internal <50
• Manufacturing Sites - External / Outsourced >5
• Manufacturing Assets Global >10,000

Reports to: Global Head of Manufacturing Technology

Number of Direct Reports: 4

Core Relationships:

• Internal - Regional Engineering Manager - Global Platform Managers - Head of Infrastructure and Footprint - Factory Operation Managers - Ops Directors - New Categories
• - R&D Directors - New Cats - IPMs - New Cats
• External - Direct Material Category Manager - OEM's - Strategic equipment vendors - Ancillary equipment vendors - Direct material suppliers

Geographic Scope: Global

Travel Required: Yes

ROLE DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Drive machine design and construction standards in partnership with GPM's, R&D and drive standardization of platform technology across multiple product categories
• Build, maintain & drive standardization of production platforms across categories
• Compose and maintain an updated global repository of both strategic and non-strategic assets with machine & product specifications
• Develop and maintain an updated global repository of active materials (both raw and pack) along with technical specifications
• Compose technical standards for all materials (direct) including suppliers, specifications and quality relevant to technology platforms
• Be the one single source for all technical specifications related to both machine and materials
• Own and run the Centre of Expertise for Technology for a group of machinery. Develop capability within the factory network. Encourage collaboration, reapplication, standardisation, and the development of machinery modifications.
• Be the Centre of Expertise for Direct Materials application to technology, drive the right first-time approach for all sourcing changes, COGS improvement projects in partnership with directs procurement & factories
• In partnership with GPM's, Define and implement technical standards for machine design that include electronics, electrical components, construction materials, Integrated materials, Quality control mechanisms
• In partnership with Direct Procurement, create technical standards for direct materials to ensure optimized cogs, wastages, product quality are delivered at the best levels

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

Experience Required

• Engineering background with an experience of BAT technology platforms and materials preferred
• Proficient in crafting standards for machines, materials and CBA reapplications
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies and solutions as per different product categories
• Experience of working across geographies and of matrixed partner management
• Background in direct materials with an understanding of direct materials quality, suppliers and specifications

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Strong engineering knowledge and technical understanding of machinery
• Proficient in BAT OEM eco-system and technology
• Well versed in BAT direct material eco system and specifications
• Strong ability to manage & mitigate risks and issues
• Ability to work in a sophisticated, fast paced environment with multiple partners
• Able to engage influence and acquire agreement proposals within a global matrix organization without direct line authority
• Capability to coordinate sophisticated technical and global projects at a high pace

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Graduate or higher

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.