Projects Manager

Role overview

This position sits within BAT’s ongoing transformation into a multi-category global business, driven by the goal of creating a smokeless world and building a better tomorrow. The role is based in Nairobi and focuses on leading capital expenditure projects, managing site assets, handling facilities-related services, and supporting engineering operating expense initiatives.

Core objectives

The main purpose of the role is to deliver CAPEX projects for the Likoni Road site efficiently, ensure projects finish on time and within full scope, and achieve complete annual CAPEX use. The role also covers the management of strategic and non-strategic assets, including new asset capitalization and asset disposal in line with the company’s asset management policy.

In addition, the role oversees the delivery and administration of facilities services such as catering, staff uniforms, parking, compound and office cleaning, office support services, maintenance, leasing, office equipment, and related contracts. It also includes supplier management, contract administration, and support for engineering Opex project planning and delivery.

Business responsibilities

The role requires careful control of departmental spend and assets within approved budgets. All approved engineering capital projects must be carried out according to PRINCE2 methods, delivered on schedule, completed in full, and kept within budget. The position also supports user teams in preparing capital and revenue budgets for company planning.

Third-party contractors delivering facilities services on site must be managed effectively, and the IM methodology must be fully applied throughout project delivery.

Leadership responsibilities

The manager is expected to promote openness and support change management so the organization is ready for innovation and transition. The role includes sponsoring or chairing projects, workstreams, and local committees at both local and cluster levels. Regular performance discussions must be held with suppliers and contractors covering facilities, project delivery, EHS, and payment matters.

The role also requires championing BAT’s one-business-unit approach, supporting the team, and tracking supplier performance consistently and in line with internal guidelines.

Management responsibilities

The position is responsible for ensuring all required licenses, rates, and site rental obligations are secured and paid on time, working with legal and finance teams where needed. It also involves creating safe and healthy working conditions, maintaining strong housekeeping standards, verifying fixed assets, and arranging disposal to improve equipment utilization.

Targets must be established in line with company planning and factory leadership priorities, with delivery against project cost, quality, schedule, EH&S, and savings objectives. The role must ensure IM pillar tools are used during factory project execution and that phase readiness is achieved. It also includes preparing, submitting, and monitoring Opex and Capex budgets, maintaining compliance with regulations, BAT guidelines, and local laws on buildings and fire safety, and supervising projects and contractors through proper method statements, risk assessments, permit-to-work controls, and competent oversight to prevent lost-time incidents.

Relationship management

The role works closely with internal teams including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, EHS, Leaf, and Commercial, as well as external contractors, to support effective project planning and execution. It also contributes to tactical decision-making and implementation of manufacturing strategy through measurement of results, follow-up actions, and appropriate delegation.

Innovation and continuous improvement

This position is expected to build a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging ideas from across the department, the wider factory, and other BAT locations. It also involves developing and adopting best practices, shared platforms, and technology approaches aligned with SM&T, while sharing knowledge and experience with other operations teams and factories.

Success measures

Performance will be judged by zero accidents and environmental incidents, zero site safety incidents, projects delivered to schedule, budget, and quality expectations, full CAPEX utilization, and compliance with all legal and statutory requirements including EHS, building, fire, licenses, and permits. The role must also help secure effective SLAs through procurement and agree service levels that meet factory needs.

Education, qualifications, and experience

A bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Chemical/Process Engineering is required. The role calls for knowledge of IWS, specifically the Initiative Management pillar and Autonomous Maintenance pillar, along with strong AutoCAD and design software ability. The ideal candidate will have maintenance experience, industrial management experience, project management capability, people management skills, proven leadership, strong communication and management ability, sound judgment in difficult situations, innovation, contract management experience, negotiation skills, and familiarity with BAT procurement and contract management processes.

Benefits and growth

BAT offers a market-leading annual performance bonus, subject to eligibility, along with country-specific benefits that may include health coverage, work-life balance support, transport assistance, and flexible holiday arrangements with extra incentives. The company emphasizes internal mobility, leadership development, online learning platforms, and personalized growth programs. Continuous improvement and a change-ready culture are central to the experience.

Inclusion and adjustments

BAT states that it is a certified Global Top Employer and places strong value on collaboration, inclusion, and partnership. The organization welcomes people from all backgrounds, including different genders, orientations, beliefs, nationalities, ages, abilities, professional histories, and perspectives. It also supports career returners through the Global Returners program and invites candidates who need reasonable adjustments during recruitment to request appropriate accommodations.