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 over 27,500 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. Our agility and entrepreneurial spirit, alongside award winning development programmes, enable innovation and success while creating exciting and rewarding career choices.

As we move forward, our customers will be at the heart of what we do, evolving to needs and expectations and committing to a more meaningful contribution to harm reduction by building a successful NGP business. Integral to our long-term success is our sustainability strategy, behaving responsibly and supporting our ambitions, all underpinned by high governance.

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.

The role

Imperial’s binding regulatory agreements require that it has the capability to identify and verify Imperial branded products that have been subject to seizure.  Failure to deliver this to the highest professional standard could result in financial penalties being applied. 

The Forensics team provide expert technical analysis of packaging materials with a view to determining genuine versus counterfeit.  The analysis supports to establish the methodologies employed by counterfeiters; results are disseminated to initiate Imperial’s own intelligence projects and provide critical support or expert witness testimony, to international law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of criminals.  This same level of professional excellence is used to identify and select security features to protect the integrity of the Imperial product portfolio.

The Forensics team are required to act as expert witnesses in this field and be able to suitably represent the Company in Regulatory, Law Enforcement, Intelligence, and Industry forums.

Key accountabilities

• Conduct a detailed forensic analysis of samples received, determine their authenticity and define the appropriate classification of counterfeit and other illicit product to international evidential standards.
• Act as an expert witness and suitably represent the company in legal action or prosecutions.
• Communicate results in the appropriate format, written or verbal, including witness statements and expert reports to all stakeholders in accordance to the evidential process and/or in defined timescales.
• Delivery of the Forensic analysis capability to internal stakeholders.
• Participate in the inspection of seizures of IMB branded product and examination of illicit manufacturing sites.
• Maintain physical print and packaging reference libraries for genuine, counterfeit and illicit product.
• Ensure a structured digital counterfeit reference library is maintained and relevant intelligence and information is recorded on the GS central intelligence i2 database.
• Support the relationship with the other Tobacco Manufacturers through the Trade Alliance Partnership for all forensic matters ensuring an effective exchange of information to support intelligence/operations.
• Facilitate forensic procedures relating to the secure destruction of samples and tobacco products, to ensure compliance with regard to HMRC regulations.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Undergraduate qualification (or equivalent) in Forensic Science or related Science discipline
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate research findings to inform & influence
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills with the ability to organize and gather facts, navigate through complex issues, draw conclusions and influence desired outcomes
• Good time management, able to multi-task, meet deadlines and have a quality orientated approach to work
• Willingness to travel internationally

• UK Driving Licence

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of tobacco regulation
• Print & packaging related experience
• Intercultural awareness

What we offer

Imperial Brands offer a competitive package of salary, bonus scheme, pension and 25 days holiday (with an additional 4 days on top to cover the Christmas period and bank holidays) and hybrid work.

Next steps

Interested applicants should apply with their CV highlighting their suitability for the role.