Competitor Intelligence Scientist in Southampton

The aim of the role is to deliver business relevant competitor product intelligence and insights in a timely and sustainable way, supported by public domain information and in line with the objectives of our business strategy, to enable decision‑making related to the product innovation pipeline.

The role requires a self‑starter and great teammate to support and drive findings across the multi‑category platforms. This includes demonstrating complex technical details and using advanced searches to uncover competitor intelligence externally. The candidate requires the ability to communicate effectively to different collaborator levels in both written and presentation form, supported by strong analytical skills, product development knowledge and ideally cross‑category experience within BAT or other industries.

The role involves managing, planning, supporting, and advising product intelligence activities to execute information to the Competitor Intelligence Managers and Head of SIRA.

This role keeps the business up to date with developments in the fast‑changing competitive landscape. It supports the wider team to ensure fast delivery to our key partners and drives true collaboration across the business.

• Deliver consistent and current product analysis covering fast‑paced innovation categories, ensuring key product developers and senior managers have the product and business facts around competitor portfolios.
• Design, develop and coordinate the process for intelligence generation. Ensure that the principles and governance are followed and communicated to deliver the insights as part of the Product Intelligence Framework, such as category meetings.
• Drive actionable product insights relating to agreed product categories in a sustainable way and in line with the objectives of our Marketing and Product Strategy.
• Develop and maintain the competitor landscape across product categories, to identify key new product launches. Ensure timely and relevant fact‑based reporting of launch intelligence as well as appropriate level product competitor analysis post launch, to support collaborator decision making.
• Plan, coordinate, and communicate across multi‑category platforms to support fast deliverables to key partners.
• Produce quarterly strategic reports, to include product attributes, information updates for competitor products, competitor innovations updates, market information updates and propose recommendations.

• Experience of working in an FMCG organisation or food/flavour industry, as well as good working knowledge of product development in device and/or consumable/ formulation understanding.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, critical thinking with high attention to detail, taking a logical approach to data and reporting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a global organisation and across multiple functions and categories, as well as ability to work independently using own initiative, and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to brief key collaborators with business relevant information.
• Adaptable and flexible, solution driven and confident to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic, and ambiguous environment.
• Ability to influence senior collaborators cross functionally and present complex information clearly.
• Effectively manage knowledge, promote cross‑functional communication, and build effective relationships both internally and externally.
• Degree in engineering, marketing, or science, or equivalent experience.

• Experience working with commercial partners or with partnerships.
• Project Management Experience.

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.

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 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. If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.