Job Openings at British American Tobacco (BAT)

ROLE SUMMARY

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

• The incumbent will review data collected by field staff through the Farmer Sustainability Monitoring (FSM) application and GIS, with weekly follow-up on any issues arising.
• On a biweekly basis, the incumbent will provide the Head of Leaf (HOL) with reports highlighting issues requiring prompt action, including detailed action plans. They will liaise with Area Leaf Managers and Senior Leaf Technicians on the quality of data collected, identify shortfalls in targeted records for the period, and compile information from data and surveys conducted from time to time to maintain well-documented STP (Sustainable Tobacco Programme) records.
• The role will coordinate and follow up on afforestation activities in the region, ensuring both quality and quantity of tree seedlings are met by contractors, and oversee implementation of afforestation programmes with partners and farmers.
• The incumbent will act as the point of contact for leaf engagement and escalation to Legal and External Affairs for resolution. They will also be a key contact in managing relationships with county governments and local administrations, ensuring no negative reputation or legislation arises without company input through public participation.
• The role includes managing all BAT Kenya leaf land property, ensuring proper records of lease documents and related engagements.
• The incumbent will advise the Head of Leaf on all farmer sustainability initiatives and lead corporate social investment (CSI/R) initiatives within the Leaf sub-function.
• The Leaf department is responsible for ensuring that the cigarette business of British American Tobacco achieves competitive advantage in quality, security of supply, and cost of packed tobacco.
• This role ensures that information gathered, analysed, and reported for leaf growing and sustainability initiatives is accurate, reliable, and suitable for business decision-making. All information must be properly maintained and accessible for reference.

Internal

• Support the Leaf Growing Manager and ALMs on GIS and STP matters
• Support GLT managers on sustainability and CSI matters
• Liaise with Legal & External Affairs (LEX) on external matters

External

• Manage land and property within leaf growing areas
• Manage relationships with county governments

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Operations / Professional / Business

• Analyse FSM & GIS data and generate required information as per STP criteria
• Maintain STP documents in line with record management procedures and support STP initiatives
• Maintain up-to-date records and status of all afforestation activities and programmes with partners
• Oversee management of designated BROA sites and rehabilitation sites in collaboration with partners
• Oversee proper functioning of farmer societies, ensuring good governance practices
• Implement Thrive projects

Management

• Coordinate FSM and GIS data analysis, interpretation, and reporting
• Coordinate day-to-day filing of STP-related records
• Coordinate and collate afforestation reports across regions, ensuring seedling production is monitored, specified tree species are distributed, and accountability in distribution and sales is maintained
• Maintain accurate records and budgets for conservation site activities, ensuring adherence to activity calendars
• Coordinate land-related meetings with the National Land Commission and county land departments
• Coordinate and participate in stakeholder meetings related to leaf operations in conjunction with Legal & External Affairs
• Represent Leaf Sustainability in Leaf Leadership meetings, ensuring clear communication of sustainability matters and seeking approvals for project spending
• Coordinate implementation of Thrive projects in leaf growing areas
• Manage alternative fuel suppliers and ensure SLA targets are achieved

Leadership

• Provide guidance to Leaf growing teams on effective data collection and survey methods
• Lead monitoring of STP programmes through sampling, staff assignment, and unannounced field verification visits
• Drive STP action plans, ensuring monthly activities are completed and reported
• Lead development of corporate social initiatives in liaison with area sustainability managers

Relationship

• Maintain strong and collaborative relationships within Leaf growing and extension teams
• Work closely with the Leaf Growing Manager, IT department, and Leaf Administration Manager to ensure coordinated STP implementation
• Collaborate with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) to implement STP actions and risk assessments
• Work with Legal & External Affairs to address land, engagement, sustainability, and CSI/R matters
• Engage county governments and local administration to prevent negative publicity and resolve issues amicably

Innovation

• Develop communication materials that effectively promote the STP agenda
• Proactively review processes to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement
• Explore alternative techniques and products to reduce cost of production (COP)

Key Success Factors

• Strong problem-solving skills and teamwork
• Proactive engagement to deliver business objectives

Education / Qualifications / Experience Required

• Degree in Agriculture or related discipline with basic understanding of tobacco agronomy
• Proficiency in computer skills (MS Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical skills using spreadsheets and databases
• Good communication and instruction skills
• Strong record-keeping ability

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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ACCOUNTABILITIES

Electrical System Maintenance and  Reliability

• Ensure reliable operation of site electrical distribution systems, including transformers, switchgear, MCCs, UPS systems, generators, solar plant, HVAC systems and power monitoring systems.
• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance programs for electrical infrastructure.
• Coordinate fault diagnosis and corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Manage electrical safety compliance and ensure adherence to statutory electrical standards
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance plans for mechanical systems.
• Ensure timely execution of maintenance activities to minimize unplanned downtime.
• Work closely with the utilities and engineering teams to address maintenance challenges.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, equipment performance, and reliability metrics.

Instrumentation and Control Systems

• Maintain and optimize instrumentation systems such as flow meters, pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, level controls, and analyzers.
• Ensure reliability of PLC, SCADA, and automation systems supporting utilities and factory infrastructure.
• Lead calibration programs and ensure instrumentation accuracy.
• Support upgrades and automation initiatives for energy and utilities systems.

Utilities Operations Support

• Provide technical support for utilities including:
• Steam and boiler control systems
• Compressed air  and vacuum systems
• Chillers and HVAC systems
• Water treatment and pumping systems
• Ensure accurate monitoring of energy and utility performance data.

Energy and Sustainability

• Support energy management initiatives, including monitoring electricity consumption and identifying efficiency opportunities.
• Implement energy-saving projects such as automation improvements, VSD installations, and smart control systems.
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and electrical system optimizations.
• Monitor energy consumption related to electrical utilities and recommend cost-saving initiatives.
• Conduct periodic audits to assess energy and  system performance.
• Support reporting of energy performance and sustainability metrics.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and hazardous area requirements.
• Conduct electrical risk assessments and ensure proper grounding, protection, and isolation systems are in place.
• Support internal and external safety audits.
• Ensure that all mechanical operations comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain documentation and records for audits, regulatory approvals, and compliance reports.
• Conduct risk assessments for mechanical systems and propose mitigation strategies.
• Promote a safety culture within the team by implementing best practices and conducting safety training.

Project Management & Execution

• Assist in the planning, execution, and monitoring of engineering capital and operational projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and as per safety and quality standards.
• Support the implementation of new mechanical systems, retrofits, and expansions.
• Coordinate with contractors and suppliers for project execution, ensuring adherence to BAT standards.
• Participate in project risk assessments and drive continuous improvement in project execution.

Team Collaboration & Development

• Provide technical support and training to the utilities team on electrical system best practices.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Supply Chain, EHS, Production, and Quality).
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives within the department and across BAT locations.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

Leadership Capabilities

• Collaborative Leadership: Works cross-functionally with production, engineering, and EHS teams to ensure reliable utilities supply.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Identifies opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and automation.
• Technical Coaching: Develops technical capability within the engineering team.
• Problem Solving: Uses structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis to resolve complex technical issues.

Functional Capabilities

• Industrial electrical distribution systems
• Instrumentation and process control
• PLC and automation systems
• Utilities systems operation (boilers, compressors, HVAC, water systems)
• Energy monitoring and efficiency improvement
• Electrical safety and compliance
• Maintenance planning and reliability engineering

Key Success Factors

• Utilities electrical system uptime
• Preventive maintenance completion rate
• Reduction in electrical and instrumentation-related breakdowns
• Energy efficiency improvements
• Instrument calibration compliance
• Safety performance (electrical incidents)

Functional skills required

• Leadership and Communication Skills
• Ability to lead and manage a team of about 10-15 people
• Clear understanding of resource management (people and costs)
• Demonstrated leadership in the areas of safety
• Interpersonal collaboration skills and seeks input from broader team
• Effective coaching and communication skills
• High level of personal responsibility and accountability for results

Analytical  & Problem Solving  Skills

• Ability to work with data and information
• Demonstrated ability to assimilate technical data to support recommendations
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Familiarity with structured problem tools, such as fishbone diagram, 5 why, RCA
• Specific technical mastery on equipment useful

Education / Qualifications / Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, or Instrumentation Engineering.
• 3-5 years experience in industrial electrical and automation systems, preferably in FMCG or manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of:
• PLC and automation systems
• Electrical distribution systems
• Industrial instrumentation
• Utilities systems operation
• Strong knowledge of preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and asset management.
• Understanding of energy efficiency principles and electrical system optimization.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Excel, Power BI, or other analytical tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Strong knowledge of EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) standards and compliance.
• Good Interpersonal skills: Effective communication and influencing skills
• Leadership skills to assist in job deliveries
• Integrated work systems: Progressive maintenance, Autonomous maintenance

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