BAT
Design Reference Group - Technology & Product Manager

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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 UK IS LOOKING FOR A DESIGN REFERENCE GROUP - TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCT MANAGER
JOB TYPE
Permanent
FUNCTION
Operations - Manufacturing
SALARY RANGE
Competitive salary package + excellent benefits + market leading bonus
LOCATION
Southampton, United Kingdom
Role Summary
What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?
- Manufacturing Sites - Internal: <50
- Manufacturing Sites - External / Outsourced: >5
- Manufacturing Assets Global: >10,000
Reports to
Global Head of Manufacturing Technology
Number of Direct Reports
4
Core Relationships
- Internal: Regional Engineering Manager - Global Platform Managers - Head of Infrastructure and Footprint - Factory Operation Managers - Ops Directors - New Categories
- R&D Directors - New Cats - IPMs - New Cats
- External: Direct Material Category Manager - OEM's - Strategic equipment vendors - Ancillary equipment vendors - Direct material suppliers
Geographic Scope
Global
Travel Required
Yes
Role Duties And Accountabilities
- Drive machine design and construction standards in partnership with GPM's, R&D and drive standardization of platform technology across multiple product categories
- Build, maintain & drive standardization of production platforms across categories
- Compose and maintain an updated global repository of both strategic and non-strategic assets with machine & product specifications
- Develop and maintain an updated global repository of active materials (both raw and pack) along with technical specifications
- Compose technical standards for all materials (direct) including suppliers, specifications and quality relevant to technology platforms
- Be the one single source for all technical specifications related to both machine and materials
- Own and run the Centre of Expertise for Technology for a group of machinery. Develop capability within the factory network. Encourage collaboration, reapplication, standardisation, and the development of machinery modifications.
- Be the Centre of Expertise for Direct Materials application to technology, drive the right first-time approach for all sourcing changes, COGS improvement projects in partnership with directs procurement & factories
- In partnership with GPM's, Define and implement technical standards for machine design that include electronics, electrical components, construction materials, Integrated materials, Quality control mechanisms
- In partnership with Direct Procurement, create technical standards for direct materials to ensure optimized cogs, wastages, product quality are delivered at the best levels
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Experience Required
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE
- Engineering background with an experience of BAT technology platforms and materials preferred
- Proficient in crafting standards for machines, materials and CBA reapplications
- In-depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies and solutions as per different product categories
- Experience of working across geographies and of matrixed partner management
- Background in direct materials with an understanding of direct materials quality, suppliers and specifications
Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required
- Strong engineering knowledge and technical understanding of machinery
- Proficient in BAT OEM eco-system and technology
- Well versed in BAT direct material eco system and specifications
- Strong ability to manage & mitigate risks and issues
- Ability to work in a sophisticated, fast paced environment with multiple partners
- Able to engage influence and acquire agreement proposals within a global matrix organization without direct line authority
- Capability to coordinate sophisticated technical and global projects at a high pace
Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required
- Graduate or higher
BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER
Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation!
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.


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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.
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