Job Summary
BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi‑category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. We are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey. British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a Scientist – Vapour Products in Southampton.
Key Objectives and Expectations
Supporting the technical direction, execution and delivery for the development and application of method validation and deployment throughout BAT’s worldwide analytical laboratory network. Accountable for supporting the development of tools, knowledge and data in analytical sciences across all BAT Vapour Products category.
Direct Impact
* Setting the governance, direction and strategic principles of the Analytical COE and BAT’s analytics network across the globe through appropriate governance fora.
* Ensuring the analytical outsourcing strategy is fit for purpose and only considered to support surge in testing demand following maximised utilisation of Analytical COE capabilities.
* Leadership of global analytical methods cross‑checks and inter‑laboratory studies.
Your Key Responsibilities
* Provide technical input to develop, deliver and maintain fit‑for‑purpose analytical capabilities related to vapour offerings. This work spans BAT’s global laboratory network and selected external partners. It supports Quality Growth innovation, product lifecycle management (PLM), and Balanced Future / THR sciences and regulatory engagement.
* Lead and support the development, validation, deployment and maintenance of analytical methodologies related to Vapour Products, ensuring alignment with guidelines, ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, CORESTA standards and internal quality expectations.
* Coordinate global fitness‑for‑purpose activities for Vapour Products methods, encompassing inter‑laboratory evaluations, harmonised reference materials and collaboration across BAT laboratories and strategic external partners.
* Support internal and external audit readiness for Vapour Products analytical activities, ensuring compliance with ISO standards, applicable regulatory expectations and BAT quality systems.
* Define and deliver analytical strategy to ensure the best analytical solutions and external partners are selected and deployed to meet current and future business needs, including management of analytical outsourcing to address capacity or capability gaps.
* Ensure scientific integrity, data quality and timely delivery of analytical outputs, supervising studies and projects, identifying deviations from agreed scientific or technical standards, and implementing appropriate remedial actions where required, in line with data standards and digital transformation objectives.
* Provide clear technical leadership and effective customer engagement, working closely with cross‑functional internal teams (e.g. Advanced Analytical, Toxicology, QA, Portfolio Management, NC R&D) and relevant external technical collaborators, encouraging collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Apply effective project management, reporting and knowledge sharing, including authoring technical and scientific reports, internal publications and presentations, maintaining EH&S responsibilities and monitoring competitor developments in Vapour Products analytical testing.
Experience Required
* Strong technical expertise in Vapour Products analytical methods, including method development, validation, transfer and capability build‑out, with demonstrated application of standard methodology within ISO‑accredited and/or GxP‑compliant laboratory environments.
* Extensive knowledge of Vapour Products testing requirements and analytical operations, covering ISO‑aligned approaches, inter‑laboratory study coordination and reporting, analytical equipment qualification, calibration and maintenance, as well as operation of automated testing platforms where applicable.
* Proven track record to manage and interpret analytical data and communicate outcomes effectively, including the use of informatics tools to ensure data quality and compliance, and authoring high‑quality R&S technical reports, conference materials and contributions to external peer‑reviewed publications.
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
* Expert knowledge in developing and validating analytical methods for Vapour Products. This ensures technical accuracy and matches product build and consumer use. It delivers fit‑for‑purpose analytical solutions throughout the product lifecycle and PLM.
* Proven experience supporting global method fitness‑for‑purpose and harmonisation, including inter‑laboratory comparisons and use of harmonised reference materials across BAT’s global laboratory network and strategic external partners to enable Quality Growth through innovation.
* Strong governance, audit and customer engagement skills including planning, conducting and reporting internal audits. These audits follow ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Clear communication with senior collaborators is essential. Leadership of external scientific collaborations supports method acceptance through technology transfer and third‑party validation.
* Demonstrated accountability and delivery attitude, with experience in budget forecasting and spend tracking, driving projects as a single point of accountability, delivering outcomes OTIF, working independently and cross‑functionally and leading by example to achieve agreed goals.
Education / Professional Qualifications / Certifications Required
* Relevant professional / academic achievement in Analytical Chemistry or related science.
Beneficial
* Solid understanding of BAT products.
* Experience with project management techniques.
* Relevant society and/or body membership e.g. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
What We Offer
* Market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
* Range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work‑life balance, transportation support and flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
* Access to online learning platforms and personalised growth programmes to nurture leadership skills.
* Continuous improvement in a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.
Equal Opportunity
BAT is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We support reasonable adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process to enable all candidates to perform at their best.
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