Senior Packaging Manager Fixed Term

The British American Tobacco Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal Voucher/Canteen

Private Pension

Life & Health Insurance

Yearly bonus based on ABS

Family support policy

Office perks

Flexible policy as per agreed Second L

Job summary

British American Tobacco UK is seeking a Senior Packaging Manager on a fixed-term basis in Southampton. You will lead technical packaging discovery projects, driving innovation, sustainability, and circularity across materials and processing technologies.

Collaboration with universities, startups and suppliers is essential to deliver materials innovations in FMCG. The role requires deep expertise in packaging materials, mass manufacturing, and the ability to shepherd projects from concept

Qualifications

• Materials science based degree or equivalent experience.
• Deep technical expertise in packaging materials and innovation.
• Experience collaborating with universities, startups and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across packaging discovery projects.
• Lead scouting for new materials opportunities.
• Lead technical reviews from a packaging perspective.
• Coordinate with procurement on new suppliers and tenders.
• Support IP delivery for packaging developments.

Skills

Packaging materials

Technical leadership

New materials scouting

Mass manufacturing knowledge

IP landscape awareness

Education

Materials science degree

Tools

MS Office

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.

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

What are we looking for?

• 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

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


• 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.
  
  
  
  

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.

#LI-Hybrid