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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 CoE, 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.