Manager ITP Forensics US

Philip Morris•Owensboro, KY

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager ITP Forensics US is the subject matter expert for tobacco and smoke-free product (SFP) forensics, including oral nicotine products, within PMI’s Illicit Trade Prevention team. The role supports intellectual property protection through product authentication, forensic analysis, investigations, intelligence generation, litigation support, and collaboration with law enforcement and industry partners. It helps protect PMI’s brands, products, consumers, and supply chain from illicit trade activities. The position leads product authentication and forensic analysis, primarily of oral nicotine products, as well as combustible tobacco and smoke-free products. It identifies illicit products and generates intelligence for investigations, law enforcement activities, and litigation. The role also supports inspections and product detentions, product security and supply chain initiatives, anti-diversion programs, technical training, and ongoing improvements to forensic systems and investigation tools. It may manage and mentor forensic specialists, vendors, consultants, and service providers. The position is based on PMI’s Smart Work hybrid model. It requires flexibility and willingness to travel locally and internationally when required. The annual base salary range is $120,000–$150,000.

Requirements

Degree in Chemistry, Quality Management, Electronics, Materials/Commodities Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of experience in tobacco, nicotine, consumer products, brand protection, quality assurance, operations, forensic investigations, or an anti-illicit trade environment.
Demonstrated expertise in product examination, forensic analysis, authentication methodologies, and technical product evaluations.
Experience serving as a subject matter expert and supporting investigations, litigation, regulatory matters, or expert witness activities.
Experience engaging with external stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, legal counsel, investigative firms, or regulatory authorities.
Good knowledge of oral nicotine products, including production processes, product construction, testing methodologies, and technical evaluation.
Strong analytical, project management, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to fast-changing requirements, and work effectively in a highly regulated and demanding environment.
Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and manage stress effectively.
Flexibility and willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.
Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of smoke-free products, including vaping technologies, electronics, consumables, and related manufacturing processes.
Experience supporting law enforcement investigations, product seizures, or factory raid inspections.
Strong understanding of brand protection principles, anti-counterfeiting strategies, and product security technologies, including experience developing or implementing product security feature strategies.
Familiarity with supply chain security, anti-diversion programs, and supplier compliance initiatives.
Experience delivering technical training programs to external partners or government agencies.
Knowledge of intellectual property protection and trademark enforcement processes.
Experience working with forensic databases, intelligence platforms, or case management systems.
Prior people leadership experience managing direct reports, matrix teams, consultants, or external vendors.
Experience working in global, highly matrixed organizations.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute product authentication activities to meet legal and regulatory requirements on behalf of an intellectual property rights holder.
Manage and perform forensic analyses of PMI products, focusing primarily on oral nicotine products, and also combustible tobacco and smoke-free products from seizures, market surveys, investigations, test purchases, consumer complaints, and other channels.
Identify illicit products and generate actionable intelligence to support investigations, law enforcement activities, and litigation.
Conduct and coordinate onsite inspections of illicit manufacturing facilities when applicable and illicit product detentions, and support law enforcement agencies in anti-illicit trade efforts.
Support litigation by providing forensic expertise, evidence analysis, and expert testimony when required.
Coordinate local product security workstreams, identify vulnerabilities, monitor execution, and recommend improvements to product authentication and protection strategies.
Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders on supply chain security initiatives, including the Supplier Liaison Program.
Provide forensic expertise across the lifecycle of smoke-free products.
Support anti-diversion programs (PMI-10C) and respond to requests from regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and internal stakeholders.
Coordinate and deliver technical training and assist law enforcement authorities to strengthen public-private partnerships and anti-illicit trade capabilities.
Collaborate with industry experts, trade associations, and brand protection organizations to improve forensic methodologies and intelligence sharing.
Contribute to the maintenance and continuous improvement of forensic systems, databases, and investigation tools.
Lead or participate in cross-functional projects related to illicit trade prevention, product protection, and forensic innovation.
Manage and mentor forensic specialists, external vendors, consultants, and service providers, where applicable.