Legal Counsel IP and AI

Centrica; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company is seeking an experienced legal professional specializing in Intellectual Property (IP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to join their Privacy & Technology team. This strategic role focuses on managing the global IP portfolio, advising on compliance, and collaborating with various business teams. Candidates should be qualified lawyers with strong IP experience and interest in AI law. The position offers flexible working arrangements, primarily remote with required travel to specific sites.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Support for financial, physical, and emotional well-being

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong IP experience with interest in AI law.
• In-house experience or line management is desirable.
• Willingness to learn in emerging areas of law.

Responsibilities

• Manage Centrica’s global IP portfolio.
• Advise on IP and AI risks and regulatory compliance.
• Support commercial teams on IP provisions in contracts.

Skills

Intellectual Property expertise

Artificial Intelligence knowledge

Regulatory compliance understanding

Excellent communication

Education

Qualified lawyer in England & Wales

IP, AI, or Privacy certifications

Job description

We’re so much more than an energy company. We’re a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That’s why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.

We are seeking an experienced legal professional with expertise in Intellectual Property (IP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to join our Privacy & Technology team. This is a strategic role at the heart of Centrica, supporting our purpose of energising a greener, fairer future and driving innovation in the energy transition to Net Zero.

Location

With our Flexible First working arrangements we empower our colleagues to work in a way that best suits them – meaning location doesn’t need to be a barrier. This role can be mostly based at home but you must be flexible to travel as needed on at least a weekly basis to our sites, namely Windsor.

This is a high‑profile, varied position combining all aspects of IP and AI law. In this role you will:

• Manage Centrica’s global IP portfolio; trademarks, patents, and designs and enforce IP rights worldwide.
• Advise on IP and AI risks, regulatory compliance (e.g., EU AI Act, GDPR), and develop governance frameworks.
• Support commercial teams on IP provisions in contracts, acquisitions, and AI‑related agreements.
• Handle contentious IP matters, including infringement claims, brand protection, and disputes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to align legal strategy with commercial priorities.
• Champion innovation, providing training and promoting IP and AI awareness across the Group.
• Lead external IP panel and manage budgets.
• Act as the line manager for a small number of junior colleagues within the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage trademark and design portfolios, working with marketing on brand clearance and protection.
• Work with R&D teams to identify, protect, and commercialise new technologies.
• Advise on AI‑related contracts, licensing, and data‑sharing agreements.
• Monitor global AI regulations and assess their impact on Centrica’s operations.
• Draft and review internal AI governance frameworks and ethical guidelines.
• Support litigation and dispute resolution involving IP and AI technologies.

We’re looking for:

• A Qualified lawyer (England & Wales or equivalent) with strong IP experience and interest in AI law.
• Commercially astute, adaptable, and able to manage complex, high‑profile work.
• Excellent communicator with credibility at senior level.
• In‑house experience and/or line management desirable.
• Willingness to learn and develop in emerging areas of law.
• Any additional IP, AI, Privacy certifications such as CTSI, IPReg, WIPO, AIPP, CIPP/E, CIPM would be advantageous.

This is a unique opportunity to shape Centrica’s approach to IP and AI, influence innovation, and make a real impact in a fast‑evolving sector.

Why should you apply?

We’re not a perfect place – but we’re a people place. Our priority is supporting all of the different realities our people face. Life is about so much more than work. We get it. That’s why we’ve designed our total rewards to give you the flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, making sure that you and your family are supported not only financially, but physically and emotionally too. Visit the link below to discover why we’re a great place to work and what being part of more means for you.

If you’re full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft not only a better tomorrow, but a better you, then come and find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non‑negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority.

Help us, help you. We would love for you to share any information about yourself throughout our recruitment process so that we can better understand you and help shape your journey.