Technology Exploration & Innovation Manager

A propos de JT International
JTI is a leading global tobacco company operating in over 130 countries worldwide. One of the fastest growing international industry players over a ten year period, we market world-renowned brands such as Winston, Camel, Mild Seven, LD, Sobranie and Glamour.

Objectifs du poste
The continued growth of the Reduced-Risk Products (RRP) category has forced JT Group to rebalance its priorities with the RRP category now playing a strategic complementary role to the company's conventional business, offering consumers new alternatives, and forcing JT Group to re-invent its business model and products offering. This business environment is putting the R&D RRP Function at the forefront of a consumer electronics race, where technology, engineering, and science will be essential capabilities on the battleground, in order to deliver the most satisfactory consumer experiences. As such, the R&D Function is re-inforcing and re-organizing itself into a truly global team, with multiple engineering and scientific-technical centers, supporting Product Development teams and Technology Development teams.

The Technology Exploration & Innovation Manager is critical in scouting and exploring/prototyping novel technologies on RRP to deliver the necessary key product components/features (i.e. novel sensors, new nicotine delivery concept, etc) to fuel the technology/product development pipeline as well as product improvement. The role requires in-depth knowledge and experience of consumer electronic devices, as well as the ability to lead in-house multi-site development teams and/or negotiate technical requirements and development frameworks with external partners (start-ups, engineering services, industry associations, or universities.

Domaine de responsabilités
Technology Scouting
With a consumer-centric approach, actively search for and assess emerging technologies while also identify novel applications for mature technologies. This dual focus aims to ignite innovation, streamline processes, and capitalize on new product opportunities.
Additionally, facilitating information sharing within both R&D and non-R&D functions is expected to foster collaboration and decision-making.

Technology Exploration
The role entails technically reviewing the theoretical technology potential to deliver a consumer and/or business benefit, assessing any potential risks for the execution (technical feasibility, resource, budget, cost/required investment, expected timeline, competitors’ activities, etc.) and lead (internally or externally) early prototyping to confirm technology value at early phases according to the R&D governance process.
Close collaboration with other R&D functions and non-R&D functions (e.g. QA, SRA, IP) is expected for effective project management.

Technology Innovation
Building on insights from Technology Scouting and Exploration, it is expected to generate novel ideas, the refinement of existing technologies, and the early assessment of these innovations to determine their merit in supporting JTG's technology/product strategy, including technical feasibility, risk assessment, safety/reliability, social acceptability, and/or manufacturability.

Expérience professionnelle
Minimum 10 years of work experience in aerosol-generating products such as Heated Tobacco Products and/or electronic cigarettes. Proven experience on the development of tobacco consumables and good knowledge on device technologies are required.

Hands-on experience with Technology Scouting, Technology development, Product development, and Project management.

Diplômes et formations
An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Physics or Chemistry is required.

Compétences linguistiques et informatiques – lesquelles & niveau
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (including presentations), other languages are desirable.

Compétences comportementales
Innovation mindset with a proven record of patent filings.
Leadership skills with a minimum 10 years of experience leading internal and/or external teams.