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 Patent Intelligence Manager in Southampton – permanent role

Providing patent intelligence through searching and analysis of third-party patents to enable the Patents Team to support and execute Group Patent legal strategy to inform business decisions and maximise commercial opportunities, whilst ensuring legal compliance and mitigating business risk.

Responsible for leading a small team providing pre-filing novelty searches, FTO searches and invalidation searches, patent landscape searches, and monitoring of new patent publications.

Providing high-quality and insight-driven competitor intelligence in cross-functional workstreams.

As a member of the BAT Group Patents team, you will be expected to contribute to and execute all aspects of the work in a manner which:

provides a value-added service to central management functions and relevant business units;delivers high quality, solution-orientated output and management on all aspects of work;manages costs appropriately including, but not limited to, reducing reliance on outside vendors as appropriate; andfully utilises the expertise and resource available in the Patents team to the benefit of the BAT Group.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Provide effective support to the attorneys in the Patents team by ensuring the Intelligence team deliver high-quality pre-filing novelty searches, FTO searches and invalidation searchesLead and coach team to communicate outcomes simply, effectively and quicklyProvide effective support to R&D, Competitor Intelligence, Patents team and BTV by 1) sharing insights derived from patent landscape searches performed by the team and 2) on-going monitoring of new patent publications, to help inform R&D innovation strategy and patent prosecutionAll communications to be simple, effective and tailored to the audienceCoach and develop the team to provide meaningful, commercially relevant insights from the patent landscapesEducation of R&D on how to use the landscapes effectively in their Discovery work Implementing innovative, simple and effective processes for the integration of all patent intelligence workflows and delivery of information, via clearly defining focus of each workflow, key outputs and who owns any actions arisingImplementing new tools for the automation and enhancement of the team’s patent searching and analysis capabilitiesDeliver a capability within the team to identify potential partners/acquisition targets via searching for patent applications covering technologies where there are no in-house technical capabilitiesLead a team within Patents ensuring the team is, at all times, optimally structured and operating to meet business priorities. Direct, co-ordinate and supervise the team’s searching and analysis work through the effective management and supervision of direct and indirect reports. Lead, train and educate direct and indirect reports through constant and effective communication and feedback to ensure the team has full alignment with the business needs and provides high quality, solution orientated and value-added output.  Provide commercially focussed insights on competitor patents in a straightforward and compelling way directly to internal stakeholders, enabling the business to deliver results whilst managing legal risk.Develop and manage relationships with key external IP service providers to ensure high quality, efficient and value for money service, seeking efficiencies and opportunities for standardisation where possibleCultivate a network of collaborative relationships at all levels within BAT which are based on mutual trust to ensure the best outcome for BAT as wholeCreate a healthy, engaged and inclusive working environment for the teamManage performance and development reviews of team members on an active basis, ensuring regular meetings with direct reports to ensure strong motivation and developmentTake responsibility for the execution and delivery of searching & analysis processes, protocols and governance as allocated by Senior Manager, Patent IntelligencePromote risk management and compliance culture ensuring consistency in application of IP policies and procedures on a global level within BAT

What are we looking for?

Experience Required

Previous experience (at least 3 years) of leading a small team managing and delivering patent searching, landscaping and competitor intelligence activities to a corporate FMCG businessPrevious experience (at least 3 years) of analysing patent landscape searches and identifying trendsPrevious experience of developing and implementing governance processes for effective ways of working.Commercially astute with a clear understanding of FMCG businesses and proven ability to understand and support strategic aims Proven ability to manage and lead a team including mentoring, coaching and supporting in order to motivate the team and develop great talent

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

Functional/Technical Skills

Excellent patent searching and analysis skills, including the ability to conduct pre-filing novelty, FTO, invalidation and landscaping searches and provision and communication of results accurately, clearly and in a user-friendly mannerAbility to assimilate and undertake analysis of large and complex data sets to spot trends and patterns and develop commercially relevant insights at both granular and macro level.Detailed knowledge of and experience in using a range of software to assist in analysis, including AI-based analysis.Ability to converse readily and knowledgeably with project leaders in R&D to gain a full understanding of the technical aspects of the inventions/technology platforms to be the subject of the searchingPrevious experience leading a team in a large FMCG corporate

Leadership Skills

Ability to work across functions, building consensus and support; Sharing knowledge & best practices to support others in their growth & success (STRONGER TOGETHER)Skilled in engaging and communicating in a simple manner; Encouraging others to speak and share their views in meetings (TRULY INCLUSIVE)Skilled at clarifying the brief with questions and step up to lead; Understanding the commercial needs of the business and setting clear objectives for each piece of work/project in line with the commercial needs; Providing direction and ensuring that the outcomes are focused and effectively communicated; Delegating when appropriate and empowering others (EMPOWERED THROUGH TRUST)Skilled at giving equal attention to what and how things are done; Exhibiting strong ownership; Prioritizing actions that create Value and align with our strategy (PASSION TO WIN)Ability to assess the impact before making any decision, sound judgement, and the ability to inform and influence at a range of levels both internally and externally (DO THE RIGHT THING)Ability to shift focus, as and when required, from 'what have we done' to 'what have we learned’; Seeking to bring the "outside-in" via attending conferences, reading articles, networking etc. (LOVE OUR CONSUMER)

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

Physics/Chemistry/Engineering degree (Class I or II/i) as a minimumMSc in Intellectual Property or equivalent (very good knowledge of patent law basics and practical aspects of drafting and prosecuting patent applications)

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 experiencehere.

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.