At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative substrate development projects and optimise heated product solutions.
- Company: Join BAT, a global leader in creating a smokeless world.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable product innovation and shape the future.
- Qualifications: Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field; R&D experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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!
- BAT – HP SUBSTRATE DEVELOPER, Southampton
- Objectives and Expectations
The HP Substrate Developer role sits within New Categories R&D Consumable Discovery Group and reports to a Senior HP Substrate Developer.
The role is responsible for the delivery of defined innovation work‑packages or technology blocks, depending on complexity, risk and business criticality, supporting Horizon 2 and 3 Heated Products and Cross Category pipelines.
Where assigned, the HP Substrate Developer II may act as technology block lead for scoped, lower‑to‑moderate complexity initiatives, operating under agreed governance and senior technical oversight.
The role applies strong chemistry‑led thinking, material science fundamentals and processing knowledge to develop, test and optimise Heated Products substrate solutions, contributing to the delivery of robust, scalable and compliant consumable substrates that meet product performance, manufacturing, cost, ESG and workplace EHS requirements within BAT’s PLM and 4D innovation frameworks.
Impact on Team / Organization
The HP Substrate Developer contributes directly to the quality, pace and robustness of substrate‑led innovation delivery, supporting technology block sufficiency for HP and Cross Category product pipelines and strengthening BAT’s substrate innovation capability.
- Reports to: Senior HP Substrate Developer
- Number of Direct Reports: 0
- Core
Relationships: Internal – Marketing, NC R&D teams, Procurement, Legal, Innovation Development Centre, Insights & Foresights, Competitor Intelligence, Invention Strategy Co E, Patent teams, Process Technology, Compliance, Safety and others; External – External Suppliers, Partners, Laboratories and Scouting Agencies.
- Geographic Scope: Global
- Travel Required: Up to 20% of the time
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Delivery & Execution
- Execute or lead substrate innovation work‑packages or technology blocks, accountable for delivery of agreed scope, quality and timelines through Scope, Invent and Verify phases of PLM, with appropriate governance.
- When acting as technology block lead, define and execute the technical plan, coordinate technical activities, manage interfaces and risks, and ensure alignment to objectives and escalation routes.
- Execute substrate formulation trials, development and optimization activities in line with approved technical direction and experimental plans.
- Generate high‑quality experimental data, analysis and technical documentation to support decision making and progression of technology blocks.
- Substrate Chemistry & Processing Application
- Apply solid understanding of substrate chemistry and material science, including formulation chemistry, material interactions and structure–property relationships.
- Apply practical knowledge of processing technologies relevant to HP substrates (forming, extrusion, coating, gelation, drying or composite processing) to ensure substrates are technically robust and scalable.
- Support investigation and resolution of substrate performance issues through structured experimentation and chemistry‑led root cause analysis.
- Quality, Compliance & EHS
- Deliver technical outputs in compliance with BAT internal standards, applicable external legal frameworks and workplace EHS requirements.
- Ensure substrate innovation activities consider manufacturability, cost, scalability and ESG expectations, escalating risks or constraints as appropriate.
- Maintain accurate records, data integrity and technical documentation in line with governance requirements.
- Collaboration & Development
- Collaborate effectively with Senior HP Substrate Developers, other Substrate developers, Blenders, technologists and cross‑functional partners including Process Technology, Flavours & Extracts, Manufacturing Innovation and external suppliers.
- Actively develop technical capability through coaching, feedback and exposure to increasingly complex substrate innovation and development challenges.
- Required Experience
- Demonstrated experience within R&D, product or material development environments, with exposure to adjacent substrates related development environments.
- Practical experience in substrate development, material formulation or chemistry‑driven product development, ideally within regulated or quality‑controlled settings.
- Hands‑on experience with processing technologies relevant to consumable or substrate development.
- Experience delivering defined work‑packages or leading scoped technical activities within structured development frameworks.
- Exposure to laboratory, pilots or small‑scale processing environments.
- Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills
- Solid technical understanding of substrate chemistry and how material choices and processing steps influence product performance.
- Ability to execute experimental work with scientific rigour, attention to detail and a strong safety mindset.
- Analytical capability to interpret data, identify trends and support technical conclusions.
- Good planning and organisational skills, managing multiple assigned tasks and priorities.
- Clear technical communication skills, including documentation and presentation of results.
- Willingness to learn, take feedback and progressively build autonomy and technical depth.
- Knowledge
- Working knowledge of HP substrate systems, material behaviour, chemistry and substrate processing concepts.
- Awareness of HP and Cross Category product architectures and performance expectations.
- Awareness of external legal frameworks, internal BAT standards, ESG expectations and workplace EHS requirements relevant to consumable development.
- Understanding of BAT Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) processes and innovation governance.
Education / Qualifications
- Degree‑level qualification in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Benefits
- Market‑leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
- Range of benefits varies by country and includes health plans, work‑life balance initiatives, transportation support and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
EEO Statement & Diversity
We are committed to equal employment opportunity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.
We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as senior women, civil servants, and skilled personhood.
For more information, read our culture page.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
HP Substrate Developer in Southampton employer: The British American Tobacco Group
British American Tobacco UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Chiswick, London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide access to online learning platforms and personalised development programmes, ensuring that your career progression is not just a goal but a reality. Our inclusive culture, recognised as a Global Top Employer, fosters diversity and supports individuals from all backgrounds, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
The British American Tobacco Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HP Substrate Developer in Southampton
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like The British American Tobacco Group. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like The British American Tobacco Group to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to The British American Tobacco Group, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like The British American Tobacco Group and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace HP Substrate Developer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at The British American Tobacco Group. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at The British American Tobacco Group
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to The British American Tobacco Group and the HP Substrate Developer role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
