BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO 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 a SENSORY MANAGER in Southampton
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
- This role is responsible for leading the Sensory capability across multiple locations.
- The role involves managing, planning, and advising sensory activities required for the execution of Product Development and/or Innovations Projects across different panels.
- This role is responsible to ensure the quality of sensory response data and its interpretation in the context of project objectives.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Maintain a high level of expertise in all aspects of sensory evaluation of tobacco and PRRP products.
- Responsible for the quality of the Sensory results and the implementation of Sensory “Best Practice” across the panels.
- Acts as the principal contact for sensory panels and provides guidance and consultancy to the technical community to establish and embed robust ways of working.
- Issue recommendations to partners based on aggregation and interpretation of sensory data and in-depth understanding of project objectives through close collaboration with Project Teams.
- Ultimately responsible for the leadership and management of day-to-day Sensory Panel activities and management of Sensory across multiple locations, whilst ensuring the best practise implementation, alongside agreed priorities and aligned to the Global Sensory Strategy.
- Proactively seek ways to improve all aspects of sensory work within the panels, including functional methodologies, practical solutions and facilities and present these ideas in an appropriate way to the Sensory leadership Team.
- Applies project management, where applicable and appropriate and develop and implement short- and long-term plans.
- Work with colleagues and the Global Sensory team to enable prioritisation of workload and enhances own and virtual team capabilities by attending relevant external training and conferences to ensure that relevant state-of-the-art expertise is integrated into BAT.
What are we looking for?
- Educated to degree level in a scientific background with previous strong experience in a product related position or relevant experience within the food/flavour industry.
- The job holder should have a solid understanding of product development and knowledge of a sensory data collection system (Compusense, Fizz or similar)
- Deep knowledge of sensory science and various approaches for descriptive (QDA, Spectrum), discriminative testing (DUO-Trio, Triangle, Tetrad), temporal (TDS, DTI), Ranking and CATA for product characterization.
- Understanding the stats behind these tests, their application, and limitations.
- Proficiency in sensory data analysis software (XLSTAT, R)
- ANOVA
- Significance test (Tukey, Fisher)
- Correlation tests
- PCA (Principal Component Analysis)
- MFA (Multi Factor Analysis)
- Experience in sensory testing for claim substantiation and regulatory purposes and knowledge of methods for sensory tests.
- Experience in presenting sensory results in a client-driven manner and deep knowledge on panel recruitment, training, panel validation, monitoring and improvement plans.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of the key business activities relating to the composition, manufacture, product design and evaluation of products to meet consumer and commercial needs within legislative.
- Ability to influence senior partners cross functionally and communicate in clear and simple terms.
- Effectively handle knowledge, promote cross-functional communication, and build effective relationships both internally and externally and creative, entrepreneurial, dynamic, tenacious, resilient, receptive to change and focused.
- Professional/academic achievement in Sensory or Consumer Science or a scientific background with previous strong experience in a product related position or relevant experience within the food/flavour industry.
Can this be your future role?
- Are you familiar with creating and maintaining sensory panels?
- Do you understand sensory methodologies?
- Can you interpret panel data and draw conclusions for product optimisation?
- Are you able to communicate complex technical data to senior audiences and to non-technical communities?
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.