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- Tasks: Lead the invention strategy and manage the innovation pipeline in a dynamic R&D environment.
- Company: Join British American Tobacco, a global leader transforming into a multi-category business focused on health impact reduction.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive bonus, flexible holidays, and access to online learning for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, driving innovation and making a real impact in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Solid R&D experience with a degree in Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering; advanced degrees preferred.
- Other info: We embrace diversity and support career breaks, encouraging all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. We are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!
British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an IP and INNOVATION STRATEGY MANAGER in Southampton/London
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
Responsible for management of invention pipeline (internal or external) and ensuring delivery of technical solutions are in line with Invention Strategies, supporting inventors, COEs and Invention Strategy Specialists:
- Analyses state of the art to define gaps.
- Supports planning of invention activities to improve IP potential.
- Ensures quality of invention capture is improved for the group by assessing and strengthening the submissions from Product Developers/Engineers and Invention Strategy Specialists.
- Sets invention KPIs against key focus area across CoEs.
- Partners with Principal Invention Strategy Manager to provide technical support on Patent Chess activities.
- Partners with Principal Invention Strategy Manager, Invention Strategy Specialists, and other COE members to provide support on Wargaming activities.
As a capability CoE in New Categories R&D, you will be expected to:
- Set stretching targets for the specific focus CoEs, develop metrics and track progress.
- Support development of standard ways of working, including digitalisation.
- Increase return on our R&D spend.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Deliver invention strategy through CoEs, working with equivalent grades in NCR&D Org to ensure resources are assigned to priorities in critical areas.
- Deliver regular review of patent related KPIs across CoEs, ensuring new ways for improvement via invention strategies.
- Improve future patentable invention portfolio through hands-on invention and development of inventors (internal/external).
- Leadership of technical portfolio analysis, risk-based scenario developments and recommendations for invention strategy actions.
- Lead role in development and delivery of capability-build across NCR&D technical community to uplift IP understanding and build a patent and IP savvy culture in BAT.
What are we looking for?
Experience Required
- Solid experience of working in R&D/Patent at a senior technical level in an innovation led organization.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with R&D leaders in specific fields (e.g. Device, Consumable, External Innovation), patent attorneys and patent searchers.
- Understanding of FMCG/Consumer Electronics commercial businesses and ability to understand and support strategic aims.
- Proven ability to manage within a matrix environment, delivering objectives through others.
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
Functional/Technical Skills
- Exceptional technical/engineering skills with a solid understanding of at least one of BAT’s key technology areas (Consumable, Device or External Innovation).
- Able to engage in-depth with R&D specialists and patent attorneys to lead complex technical matters in a clear and digestible manner.
- Understanding of the strategic role of patents, including an ability to derive key technical information from a patent.
- Able to communicate technical matters in a clear, concise and impactful way to drive understanding and action.
- Able to set priorities with clear and measurable KPIs.
Leadership Skills
- Proven ability to drive new ways of working, and improve processes, set clearly defined objectives with outputs and measures.
- Skilled in engaging and communicating in a simple, clear, and coherent manner at senior management level.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgement, good decision making and the ability to advise and influence at all levels both internally and externally.
- Ability to manage priorities and meet commitments with a track record of successfully completing projects.
- Ability to work across functions, building consensus and support.
- Able to work externally and represent BAT at external events.
Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required
- Physics/Chemistry/Engineering degree (Class I or II/i) as a minimum.
- Masters, PhD preferred.
- Good patent knowledge derived from experience / Patent Qualification.
BENEFICIAL
Previous experience in identification of inventions, patent drafting and prosecution.
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.
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IP and Innovation Strategy Manager employer: British American Tobacco
Contact Detail:
British American Tobacco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IP and Innovation Strategy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in IP and innovation strategies within the FMCG and Consumer Electronics sectors. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your understanding of the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in R&D and patent law, especially those who have experience in innovation-led organizations. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects in a matrix environment. Highlight your ability to collaborate across functions and deliver results through others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing instances where you've driven new ways of working or improved processes. Be ready to explain how you set clear objectives and measured outcomes, as this aligns with the expectations of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace IP and Innovation Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the IP and Innovation Strategy Manager position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and expectations, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your solid experience in R&D or patent management, particularly in innovation-led organizations. Provide specific examples of how you've collaborated with R&D leaders and patent attorneys.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your exceptional technical skills related to BAT’s key technology areas. Mention any relevant degrees, certifications, or experiences that demonstrate your understanding of patents and their strategic role.
Communicate Clearly: When writing your application, ensure that you communicate your ideas in a clear, concise, and impactful manner. Use straightforward language to explain complex technical matters, making it easy for the hiring team to understand your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at British American Tobacco
✨Understand the Invention Strategy
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the invention strategies that BAT employs. Familiarize yourself with their current projects and how they align with the company's mission to decrease health impacts. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Prepare to discuss your technical background in detail, especially in areas relevant to BAT's key technology sectors like Consumable or Device. Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with R&D specialists and patent attorneys.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Highlight your experience working in matrix environments and collaborating with various stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed projects through others and built consensus across functions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you've driven new ways of working in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've set clear objectives, improved processes, and engaged with senior management effectively.
