Job Description

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 SENIOR LEAF SOURCING MANAGER

JOB TYPE: Permanent

FUNCTION: Operations - Leaf

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?

This is an above market role, that is required to accurately represent the Leaf Function, and strengthen the connection between Regional and Global. Strong skills in the areas of ESG, business, finance, engagement and new categories are required. Technical aspects will be supported by Science, and as part of the Group’s leading technical authority on specific tobacco types. The role is to ensure the leaf product within their remit is effectively handled from seed to smoke whilst delivering the required tobacco grade standards. 3rd party partner management is also a key aspect of the role to strengthen relationships and gain additional flexibility throughout the supply chain of tobacco.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organisation?

Reports to

Global Head of Leaf Sourcing

Number of Direct Reports

0

Core Relationships

Internal :

• Global Leaf (Sourcing, GLP, GLOC, Operations, GLAD, ESG)
• Regional & DRBU Product Managers
• Ops Managers & Factories
• Global Leaf Quality
• Ops Finance

External:

• 3rd Party Leaf Suppliers
• STP and External Auditors

Geographic Scope

Regional

Travel Required

Yes

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Quality and Crop Balancing:

• Drives all Leaf Sourcing activities vital to deliver required grade specifications and volumes across all tobacco types for the Group within the origins.
• Proactively handles the short and medium-term balancing and usage of supplier crop plans versus Group requirements.
• Accountable for Leaf quality for any Product developments for Next Generation Products and Global Drive Brands.
• Apply technical knowledge of tobacco on taste and “on the ground” expertise to forecast potential crop quality or volume issues in advance and offer proactive solutions to mitigate.

Footprint:

Accountable along with Head of Global Leaf Sourcing / GLP Manager in the development of local, regional and global strategies to effectively resolve efficient source countries to secure relevant types of tobacco and with which suppliers.

Market Intelligence:

Drives the collation and analysis of market intelligence from various sources, such as information on tobacco grade availability, quality, and market dynamics to influence the Leaf community on major leaf activities and to support GLP UK leaf pricing committee.

Leadership & Management:

• Support in delivering effective training programs to ensure necessary skills are learned or knowledge shared to allow resources to better understand leaf quality parameters and the influencing factors.
• Serves along with the Senior Leaf Sourcing Manger as a point of contact and coordination for teams in other BAT Functions as it relates to Leaf Sourcing for the region. (End markets, RBU’s, Suppliers)

Relationship:

• Maintains a robust collaborative connection with the regional business units and blenders to ensure tobacco quality, consistency, and availability is aligned to drive their consumer portfolio agenda.
• Maintains a strong working relationship with leaf partners, collaborators and leaf suppliers within the region to ensure that all operations results are delivered on time.

Experience, skills, knowledge

Experience Required

• Extensive knowledge of the complete primary & secondary supply chain: planning, production, processing, blending, logistics and manufacturing.
• International experience and knowledge of global governance and corporate processes.
• Leadership skills
• Project management.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Statistics, Accounting, Finance, Financial Mathematics, Economics and Marketing.
• Product and Process Knowledge - full tobacco & manufacturing cycle
• Knowledge of the producer and consumer market, internal and external.
• Proficient English

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Engineering or Agronomy.
• Postgraduation in the areas of Business Administration, Marketing, Economics.

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.

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.