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!
Senior Heated Products Substrate Developer – Southampton
The Senior HP Substrate Developer role sits within the New Categories R&D Consumable Discovery Group and reports to the Head of Heated Product Substrates & Blending Innovation. The role is accountable for the technical leadership and delivery of assigned substrate‑led technology blocks supporting Horizon 2 and 3 Heated Products and Cross‑Category initiatives.
The Senior HP Substrate Developer acts as a senior technical expert in HP substrate chemistry and material systems, including tobacco and non‑tobacco matrices, functional fillers, binders, gels and coatings to deliver robust, scalable and compliant consumable solutions. The Senior HP Substrate Developer translates consumer and product requirements into clear technical substrate specifications that deliver intended product performance when deployed at scale.
The Senior HP Substrate Developer actively supports and contributes to portfolio strategy, prioritisation and capability development through technical insights and delivery experience, underpinned by high‑quality execution, sound technical judgement, proactive risk identification and management. This role is a critical delivery dependency for Heated Products and Cross‑Category product pipelines, directly influencing product feasibility, robustness and differentiation, manufacturability and regulatory readiness. Through consistent delivery of sound substrate solutions, the Senior HP Substrate Developer contributes to BAT’s IP strength, cost competitiveness and long‑term technical capability.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver assigned substrate‑led technology blocks, accountable for OTIF delivery through Scope, Invent and Verify phases of PLM.
* Deliver technically sound substrate solutions embedding considerations of ESG, cost, manufacturing scalability, compliance with internal standards, applicable external legal frameworks and workplace EHS.
* Define, own and maintain substrate technical specifications that translate product and consumer requirements into reproducible formulations suitable for pilot and commercial scale.
* Apply deep understanding of processing technologies (e.g. forming, extrusion, coating, layering, gelation, drying and composite processing) to ensure substrates are chemically, physically and thermally robust.
* Ensure substrate solutions are technically capable of delivering consistent intended product performance, supporting downstream sensory, product and manufacturing requirements.
* Diagnose and resolve formulation or performance issues through informed selection of materials, structured experimentation, data‑driven root cause analysis and expert judgement.
* Act as project‑level technical lead, coordinating activities across R&D, Process Technology, Manufacturing Innovation, Blending, Flavours & Extracts, Procurement and external partners. Lead or support external co‑development activities within defined projects, ensuring clear deliverables, knowledge capture and alignment with BAT IP strategy.
* Coach and technically develop direct reports, embedding standards of scientific rigour, documentation and safe working. Act as a role model for technical excellence, disciplined experimentation and EHS compliance across laboratory, pilot and external environments.
Qualifications
* Degree level qualification in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
* Significant experience within HP / New Categories R&D or adjacent advanced materials environments, with deep expertise in chemistry‑led substrate development.
* Proven delivery of substrate‑based consumable technologies, from discovery through pilot scale validation and scale‑up readiness.
* Strong hands‑on experience in formulation chemistry and material system design, including understanding of chemical interactions, stability and performance drivers.
* Hands‑on experience with processing technologies relevant to HP substrates, including forming, extrusion, coating, gelation or composite material processing. In‑depth knowledge of HP substrate chemistry, material behaviour and system integration, including impact of processing techniques and formulations on final product performance.
* Recognised technical expert in substrate chemistry and material systems, with the ability to translate fundamental chemical and physical principles into robust, scalable technical solutions.
* Strong understanding of processing–structure–performance relationships, enabling substrates to be designed for both function and manufacturability. Also strong scientific rigour and analytical capability, with a drive to progress complex technologies through structured experimentation and evidence‑based decision making.
* Awareness of external legal frameworks, internal BAT standards, ESG expectations and workplace EHS requirements relevant to consumable development.
Benefits
* Market‑leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
* Health plans, initiatives for work‑life balance, transportation support and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
* Access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programmes to nurture leadership skills.
* Opportunities for internal advancement and continuous improvement in a transformative environment.
We are one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions. We champion collaboration, inclusion and partnership, and we recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life. We encourage applications from individuals irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, disability, age or any other protected characteristic. We support career breaks and offer a Global Returners programme for professionals re‑entering the workforce after an extended absence. As a Disability Confident Employer, we provide reasonable adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process to ensure you can perform at your best. If you need any accommodations, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected.
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