Sustainability Intern

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!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for an UNDERGRADUATE INTERN – NC R&D SUSTAINABILITY in Southampton – Fixed-term (12 months)

We have an exciting opportunity for students who are currently undertaking a degree in Sustainability, Chemistry, Biology, Materials or Environmental Sciences (or a related subject) to join our Research & Development function, based in Southampton, on a 12-month undergraduate placement.

This placement is with our New Category R&D Sustainability Team and will focus on the Environmental Impacts of our New Category products. Climate Change is a global issue impacting our planet and society, as well as our business and supply chain. Excessive resource use and waste are damaging to the environment in many ways including contributing to climate change, destruction of natural habitats and creating plastic pollution. Managing materials as part of a circular economy means they can be used again and also decreases the costs and environmental impacts associated with raw material extraction and transport. R&D’s responsibility within the low carbon strategy and circular economy consists of increasing the use of sustainable materials, designing for end of life and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible.

This role will predominantly be responsible for supporting the life cycle analysis, environmental impact mapping, Eco Design, circularity and carbon reduction activities of our New Categories products to help deliver our 2030 and beyond corporate targets. In addition, the intern will be working on developing our sustainable materials database along with partners in Design and Materials Engineering.

A bit more about BAT and our undergraduate placement scheme:

We make significant investments in Research and Development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. We conduct cutting-edge research to evaluate our Smokeless Products and apply the highest standards for product safety and quality. Successful applicants will be involved in our extensive scientific research program which spans a broad spectrum of scientific fields - including molecular biology, human biology, toxicology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, psychology, neuroscience, sensorial science, data science, computer science, product design, and engineering disciplines.

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2027) to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

BAT has an established placement programme, with a dedicated Placement Team, which provides training and development throughout the placement. This includes sessions for onboarding, presentation skills, critical thinking, scientific poster presentations and ‘speed networking’ with senior management.  Successful applicants are provided with multiple opportunities to develop transferable skills in addition to gaining ‘hands on’ experience in a technical discipline.

As part of the scheme students get a chance to cultivate their independent thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to working in and contributing to a team. Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities is also encouraged, where appropriate. Previous work experience in a practical ‘hands-on’ role would be useful but not essential.

This role is due to start in September 2027, and we will be shortlisting applications and carrying out video/ online interviews whilst the advert is live. We will look to make an offer to the successful candidate as close to the closing date as possible. However, the vetting and onboarding processes for successful candidates won’t begin until the role is opened in our system, which is likely to be later in 2027, so we will contact successful candidates again to commence these processes when the position opens.

We reserve the right to close this advert before the 31st of December if we have a high level of applications.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Support the Life Cycle Analysis of New Category products;
• Process data and conduct trend analysis on the environmental impact of our products across the portfolio; 
• Update key performance metrics on circularity;
• Support design teams with alternative materials and designs for lower carbon initiatives.

What are we looking for?

• Students working towards an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Materials, Sustainability or Environmental Sciences;
• Environmental and sustainability knowledge as well as a passion to champion sustainable development;
• Accurate data analysis and attention to detail;
• Excellent presentation skills;
• Collaborative attitude and ability to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

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
• Benefits:
  • Meal Voucher/ Canteen as per location
  • Private Pension
  • Life & Health Insurance
  • Yearly bonus based on the ABS
  • Family support policy
  • Office perks
  • Flexible policy as per agreed Second Level agreement.

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. 

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of 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, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. 

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an 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. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential. 

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