Legal Counsel IP & Marketing (12 Months Fixed Term Contract) London - Victoria United Kingdom L[...]

This position reports to the General Counsel Marketing & IP. You will be a member of the Marketing & IP team as well as of the Bacardi Legal Function and will provide assistance on matters relating to Marketing, contracts, Intellectual Property, and brand protection in the food and beverage sector, to support business value growth and other operating objectives, whilst avoiding or minimising legal exposure. You will assist and support the General Counsel Marketing & IP and will provide expert advice to the Global Marketing teams, ensuring that the company complies with marketing laws, regulations, and best practices. You will be a broad-thinking, business-savvy, flexible, and pragmatic legal advisor, ensuring project compliance by providing specific advice and general training. You will also contribute to the coordination of work by the legal Marketing & IP team and within the broader Legal matrix organization. You will provide quality legal advice to internal clients, supporting Marketing staff and their projects and transactions in line with their short and long-term business objectives. This role is based in the London Office and requires regular interaction with the IP lawyers in Geneva.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifying legal risks and providing pragmatic, business-focused support on marketing and innovation projects, aligned with Bacardi Responsible Marketing Principles, applicable laws, regulations, and IP standards.
• Assisting in drafting and negotiating marketing contracts using templates and standards, interacting with in-house and external lawyers to balance commercial benefits and risk management.
• Engaging with external lawyers and trademark agents, and collaborating within the global legal function as part of a matrix organization.
• Monitoring developments in IP and marketing laws, especially in digital marketing and alcoholic beverages, and alerting teams to ensure compliance.
• Supporting brand protection activities and participating in global projects or cross-border activities, particularly on product innovation and brand protection.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in legal aspects of marketing and IP matters within an international company.
• Pragmatic business judgment, risk assessment skills, and the ability to balance business objectives with legal requirements.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, cross-functional matrix environment with strong organizational and cross-cultural agility.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to convey information clearly and listen effectively.
• Proactive, responsive, and trusted advisor qualities with strong influencing skills.
• A Law Degree from a top-tier law school and significant relevant experience.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, negotiation, and drafting skills.
• Unwavering integrity and values.
• Experience in the beverages industry and knowledge of French, Spanish, or Italian languages are advantageous.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

We seek individuals embodying our founder’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating leadership excellence, learning agility, and the ability to foster a culture of belonging, self-awareness, people and results agility, mental agility, and change agility.

OTHER INFORMATION

This role emphasizes collaboration within a matrix organization, leadership qualities, and a passion for our culture and values. Bacardi offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, including competitive salary, benefits, and development opportunities.