Innovation Graduate

The Role

At Imperial Brands, a global organization of over 25,000 people and the fourth largest player in our industry, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact on the future of product innovation.

If you’re a recent graduate with a curious mind and a passion for driving change, this is your moment to turn ideas into reality. Whether your background is in business, chemistry, life sciences, engineering, data analytics—or a related field—you’ll find the perfect environment to grow and thrive.

Our Graduate Innovation Program offers a unique rotational experience across dynamic departments: each focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions. You’ll gain hands-on experience, tackle real-world challenges, and collaborate with experts who are redefining what’s possible.

By the end of the program, you’ll have built a strong foundation for your career—while helping us create a healthier, more sustainable future. We’re looking for adaptable, collaborative thinkers who love turning bold ideas into meaningful change.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now and start shaping the future with us.

Principle Accountabilities

Discover. Develop. Deliver. Your Future Starts
Here We’re thrilled to offer graduates an exceptional opportunity to experience unique rotations across our business—each designed to immerse you in innovation and accelerate your career. Here’s what your journey could look like:

Rotation A: Discovery

• Dive into research and evaluate creative ideas, technologies, and materials.
• Collaborate with external partners, research institutions, and startups to explore new possibilities.
• Contribute to brainstorming sessions and help fuel our innovation pipeline.

Rotation B: Product Development – Formulation & Device

• Work with diverse teams to ensure ingredient compatibility and regulatory compliance.
• Assess prototypes with a focus on consumer experience and sensory aspects.
• Share ideas in project discussions and stay ahead of emerging trends.

Rotation C: Project Management

• Support planning, execution, and monitoring of innovation projects.
• Develop project plans, track progress, and manage budgets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and keep stakeholders informed.

Rotation D: Process Team

• Assist in developing next-generation products like e-liquids, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine.
• Work with Engineering, Health & Safety, Procurement, and Quality teams to scale up new technologies.
• Participate in technical discussions and help improve product quality and processes.

Rotation E: Sensory & Consumer Science

• Help design and deliver qualitative research studies, including focus groups and interviews.
• Turn consumer feedback into actionable insights for product development.
• Support research at our Liverpool Consumer Centre and ensure smooth study operations.

Rotation F: Innovation Excellence

• Ensure quality and consistency in project reporting and stage gate processes.
• Track KPIs, risks, and resource capacity across the innovation portfolio.
• Act as a guardian of our innovation framework, helping integrate processes across the business.

Skills and Experience Required

• BSc’s degree in a relevant discipline: Such as Chemistry, Engineering, Business, Data Analytics, or similar.
• Analytical mindset: With strong problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities: You’ll work closely with diverse teams.
• Proactive and curious: With a genuine passion for innovation and continuous learning.
• Adaptable and versatile: Ready to thrive in different roles and contribute across cross-functional projects.

What We Offer

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

Everyone Belongs

Everyone belongs in Imperial. We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence. We give fair and equal consideration to all our applicants. Please contact us at recruitment@impbrands.com to let us know if we can provide support in helping you complete an application and/or attend an interview.

About Us

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 25,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all.  Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.