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:
- Sets stretching targets for the specific focus CoEs, develop metrics and track progress.
- Supports development of standard ways of working, including digitalisation
- Increases 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 to 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.