Head of Legal, Intellectual Property

Brambles; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global logistics company based in the UK is seeking a Head of Legal for Intellectual Property to lead their global IP strategy, manage their portfolio, and provide legal guidance on IP matters. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience specializing in IP law, a strong background in contract negotiation, and the capability to influence across various leadership styles. This hybrid role allows for a mix of remote and on-site work, providing flexibility in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years' PQE in IP law, preferably in a corporate environment.
• Extensive experience in managing global IP portfolios.
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, matrix environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global intellectual property strategy and initiatives.
• Oversee the development and management of the company’s IP portfolio.
• Champion technology enablement to optimise IP processes.
• Monitor and mitigate legal risks associated with IP.

Skills

Coaching

Influencing

Inclusive leadership

Intellectual Property Law

Contract negotiation

Strategic thinking

Emotional intelligence

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Qualified Legal Practitioner

Job description

Description

The Head of Legal – IP will be a key member of the global legal leadership team, reporting directly into the Chief Legal Officer and the have the responsibility of leading the global intellectual property strategy across Brambles. Key purpose will be aligning IP initiatives with business objectives and innovation priorities, overseeing the management of the company’s IP portfolio, providing strategic legal guidance on all IP-related matters and ensuring protection, enforcement and commercialisation of the enterprise’s IP assets.

Key Accountabilities

Define, execute, and continuously improve a global IP strategy that aligns with enterprise goals, leveraging robust KPIs to track performance and impact.

Oversee the development, protection, management, and commercialisation of the company’s IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and digital assets, while providing strategic legal advice, managing contentious matters, and negotiating complex agreements to maximise value.

Shape and lead the Company’s IP Review Committee, ensuring appropriate key stakeholders are involved and well informed.

Champion technology enablement by adopting AI, automation, and digital tools to streamline IP processes, optimise operational efficiency, and enhance portfolio management.

Monitor and mitigate legal and regulatory risks related to IP and brand use, stay abreast of evolving IP trends, and ensure compliance with international frameworks through robust enforcement and proactive risk management strategies.

Build IP awareness and capability across the business by developing internal policies, delivering global training, and fostering a culture of innovation and compliance among stakeholders and the IP team.

Manage relationships with external counsel and agents globally, and oversee team development, budgeting, and resource allocation to achieve operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Active member of the Legal Leadership Team and contribute to the development and implementation of the strategy for the Legal function.

About the person

Ability to operate effectively across a matrix and wide range of leadership styles, being an effective influencer and persuasive spokesperson across the entire organisation

Technical IP expertise

Credibility and gravitas across strategic, financial, and operational discussions at a senior level

Decision maker, driven by objectives, solutions, and results.

Strategic and critical thinker, anticipate & provide scenarios for different problems.

A deep understanding of how businesses work with the ability to see the big picture

Operational Excellence and commitment to quality

Experience & Skills

8-10+ years’ PQE.

Extensive experience managing global IP portfolios and contentious IP matters in an in house environment.

Developing and delivering a global IP protection and defensive strategy

Strong understanding of IP legislation ideally in UK, Europe, US and Australia

Skilled in contract negotiation and drafting

Experience working globally in a fast-paced matrix environment

Remote Type

Hybrid Remote

Skills to succeed in the role

Coaching, Compétences d’influence, Direction inclusive, Droit de la propriété intellectuelle, Droit des brevets, Établissement des priorités, Feedback, Gestion des parties concernées, Gestion IP, Intelligence émotionnelle, Leadership interfonctionnel, Mener le changement, Négociations de contrats, Pensée disruptive, Propriété intellectuelle, Réflexion stratégique

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to developing a diverse workforce in which everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and has the opportunity to contribute to business success while realizing his or her potential. This means harnessing the unique skills and experience that each individual brings and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.