In JT Group, there is an emphasis on teamwork and consensus-building that makes you feel valued.

“I started in RRP* Global Engineering where I was responsible for developing new manufacturing technologies for our RRP*; now I am Product Development Manager for RRP* within the R&D Group, where I am responsible for the creation of new products.” *Reduced-Risk Products: Products with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking

When I first joined the company, I started in RRP* Global Engineering where I was responsible for developing new manufacturing technologies for our RRP*. Additionally, I supported both ongoing and startup production processes at our factories.

Two-and-a-half years later, I was promoted to my current role as Product Development Manager for RRP* within the R&D Group, where I am responsible for the creation of new products from feasibility studies through to mass production. In this new management role, I think about what is important for each of our departments and then find middle ground; for example, building a high-quality product that also addresses costs, and this helps us to arrive at consensus in an efficient manner.

*Reduced-Risk Products: Products with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking

“Open communication is fundamental: not only does this relate to how to express your ideas, but equally as important is listening and understanding what others are telling you.”

When I joined JT International (hereafter JTI) I moved from my native Mexico first to Trier, Germany and then to Vienna, Austria, where I am now; although I have lived in many countries around the world, the transition to a new environment and industry was a significant personal challenge that allowed me to grow as a person. At each step, JTI was there to provide all the support I needed in order to succeed; that help went far beyond needs such as language, internal training and housing, but also anything that I needed—they’ve never said “no” to me on anything I have asked.

Additionally, I was introduced to our company culture and had the opportunity to visit our RRP* factories in Poland and Japan. In JT Group, there is an emphasis on teamwork and consensus-building that makes you feel valued and your opinions listened to, and this is very good for team-building as a whole. We also have a very diverse workplace with many people from various countries and backgrounds who bring different experiences to the team. Not only do we learn from each other, but in growing into my role as a manager, I have learned how to support my colleagues in creating the best working environment for them that I can.

Open communication is fundamental: not only does this relate to how to express your ideas, but equally as important is listening and understanding what others are telling you. I have also learned how vital it is to obtain the proper consumer input to ensure that we develop products that our clients will love— products that align with their personal values.

*Reduced-Risk Products: Products with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking

“JT Group is a place where if you commit to do your best, the company will help you grow.”

I would like to be able to lead a team that will be a good example in decision-making and adaptability for other departments to emulate, so that we can deliver the best products to our consumers in a timely manner, as well as be an example of quality and innovation. In order to do so, I want to focus on improving our decision-making processes so that we can respond even more quickly to our consumer needs and make a positive impact on their lives.

JT Group is a place where if you commit to do your best, they will help you to grow by offering you mobility if you wish, and opportunities to take on larger roles or management positions as well. All the while, our company will provide you with any kind of support that you request.

You can also expect a challenging workplace where you have real world situations, and you work to create solutions to improve our products. The quality standards are very high, too, so you can be proud of your work. Don’t be afraid to bring new ideas to the table; remember to focus on our consumers. In the end, we all want to work to the benefit of the company and our consumers. And I’m very happy working here.