Senior Packaging Technologist

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 TECHNOLOGIST in Southampton

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

The objective of this packaging development manager role is to lead and manage complex projects from ideation to commercialization, providing technical advice and solutions regarding all packaging requirements to our Modern Oral (MO) Category.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?

An excellent working knowledge of different packaging substrates such as rigids plastics, printed flexibles, labels, and cartons and it’s prototyping. Working closely with our product innovation, marketing, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, compliance, legal and quality, the Packaging development manager will own packaging specifications and implementation process to MO new and existing product portfolio.

Strong communication, innovation and influencing skills will be critical to this role to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage complex projects from design concept, prototype, build and commercialization of rigids (plastics, metals), printed flexibles, labels and carton structures.
• Provide technical support and collaborate with other functions of the business in resolving technical issues during design and development.
• Provide technical support to procurement on new and existing packaging sourcing requirements, identifying, and actualising opportunities for cost and quality improvement.
• Drive the sustainability agenda in collaborations with other functions to deliver on company ESG KPI’s
• Participate in the development of the Quality Control Plans with BAT Quality team.
• Travel to suppliers/plants to support development/fine-tuning and or specification release.
• Attend Material Qualification trials and first off production runs at our manufacturing sites and at suppliers as required.
• Establish strong technical relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Rigids Plastics

• Lead projects through all stages of injection moulding process implementation, from concept evaluation through commercialization
• Leads development of specifications and acceptance protocols to enable the purchase production injection moulds and moulded components.
• Lead pilot and commercial moulds trial run and make sure the new project launch on schedule and successfully.
• Manages suppliers to ensure in the design, development and implementation of injection moulds and conversion of components is done in time and to pre-agreed standards.
• Develops processes by designing and/or performing experimental testing, data analysis, preparation of reports, and providing recommendations.

Can this be your future role?

• What is your experience delivering rigid & flexible plastic packaging innovations from concept to launch?
• What is your experience developing consumer relevant and environmentally sustainable packaging solutions?
• What is your experience project managing global projects?
• What is your experience with rapid prototyping of injection moulded containers?

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

• Experience of working effectively in a FMCG or global companies and within cross functional and a multi-category packaging team.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex packaging development projects from concept to market commercialisation.
• Previous work experience of packaging development of Injection Moulding packaging (plastic and metal) and flexible plastic packaging, experience of developing complex injection moulded packaging.
• Experience of using CAD software (SolidWorks, etc.) and FEMS software (Moldflow)
• Knowledge of use and properties of common plastic materials especially polyolefins and global sustainability developments in plastics.
• Knowledge of designing and modelling packaging to meet product stability requirements and consumer useability criteria.
• Experience of rapid prototyping techniques especially related to development of injection moulded packaging.
• Working knowledge of developing and validating Child Resistant/Senior Effective packaging
• Strong engineering analysis skills including tolerance analysis, DFA, DFM, DFMEA, validation and documentation.
• Knowledge of use and properties of common plastic materials especially polyolefins and global sustainability developments in plastics.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork.
• Resilience, empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.
• Tolerance to ambiguity, assertiveness and learning agility.
• Exploratory character, keeping abreast with new trends in packaging sustainability, global sourcing development, etc.
• Organisational, Planning and implementation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SolidWorks.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Science, Engineering or other relevant degree, or equivalent experience.
• Six Sigma or Lean Programmes
• Project Management certificate

BENEFICIAL

• Familiar with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)

• Familiar with FMCG industry standards
• Familiar with AutoCAD, CAPE, Adobe Illustrator and other software used in packaging

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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