Sustainability Placement 2027

BAT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Private pension

Life & Health Insurance

Meal Voucher/Canteen

Flexible holiday plan

Online learning platforms

Career development opportunities

Job summary

British American Tobacco UK is offering an undergraduate placement in R&D Sustainability in Southampton for 12 months, starting 1st September 2027. You will support life cycle analysis, environmental impact mapping and Eco Design for New Category products, while developing a sustainable materials database with Design and Materials Engineering partners.

You will gain hands-on experience in a fast-moving, collaborative environment, with mentorship, regular reviews, and exposure to a wide range of

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Sustainability, Chemistry, Biology, Materials or Environmental Sciences.
• Interest in environmental sustainability and climate impact.
• Strong data analysis and attention to detail.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to communicate with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support Life Cycle Analysis of New Category products.
• Process data and trend analysis on the environmental impact of our products across the portfolio.
• Update key performance metrics on circularity.
• Support design teams with alternative materials and designs for lower carbon initiatives.

Skills

Life Cycle Analysis

Data analysis

Environmental sustainability knowledge

Presentation skills

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in Sustainability

Undergraduate degree in Chemistry

Undergraduate degree in Biology

Undergraduate degree in Materials

Undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences

Job description

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – NC R&D SUSTAINABILITY in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Sustainability, Chemistry, Biology, Materials or Environmental Sciences (or a related subject) to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our New Category R&D Sustainability Team and will focus on the Environmental Impacts of our New Category products. Climate Change is a global issue impacting our planet and society, as well as our business and supply chain. Excessive resource use and waste are damaging to the environment in many ways including contributing to climate change, destruction of natural habitats and creating plastic pollution. Managing materials as part of a circular economy means they can be used again and also decreases the costs and environmental impacts associated with raw material extraction and transport. R&D’s responsibility within the low carbon strategy and circular economy consists of increasing the use of sustainable materials, designing for end of life and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible.

The Role

• This role will predominantly be responsible for supporting the life cycle analysis, environmental impact mapping, Eco Design, circularity and carbon reduction activities of our New Categories products to help deliver our 2030 and beyond corporate targets.
• In addition, the intern will be working on developing our sustainable materials database along with partners in Design and Materials Engineering.

A bit more about BAT and our undergraduate placement scheme

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2027) to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

BAT has an established placement programme, with a dedicated Placement Team, which provides training and development throughout the placement. This includes sessions for onboarding, presentation skills, critical thinking, scientific poster presentations and ‘speed networking’ with senior management. Successful applicants are provided with multiple opportunities to develop transferable skills in addition to gaining ‘hands on’ experience in a technical discipline.

As part of the scheme students get a chance to cultivate their independent thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to working in and contributing to a team. Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities is also encouraged, where appropriate. Previous work experience in a practical ‘hands-on’ role would be useful but not essential.

Your key responsibilities will include

• Support the Life Cycle Analysis of New Category products;
• Process data and conduct trend analysis on the environmental impact of our products across the portfolio;
• Update key performance metrics on circularity;
• Support design teams with alternative materials and designs for lower carbon initiatives.

What are we looking for?

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Materials, Sustainability or Environmental Sciences;
• Environmental and sustainability knowledge as well as a passion to champion sustainable development;
• Accurate data analysis and attention to detail;
• Excellent presentation skills;
• Collaborative attitude and ability to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

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
• 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.