At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on IP and commercial agreements for innovative product development.
- Company: Join British American Tobacco, a global leader in creating a smokeless world.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, diverse health plans, and flexible holiday options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and continuous personal development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of innovation while advancing your legal career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive IP law expertise and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
British American Tobacco United Kingdom has an exciting opportunity for an Innovation Counsel in London. The purpose of this role is to deliver specialist intellectual property and commercial legal advice to Group Operations (particularly Procurement and R&D) supporting new product development and innovation, with a strong emphasis on IP ownership and licensing.
The role focuses on providing proactive, commercially relevant legal counsel of a high professional standard across a range of agreements. These include research and development agreements (RDAs), licensing arrangements, partnering agreements, and manufacturing or supply contracts involving Nicoventures Trading, the Shenzhen Innovations Centre, and other Nicoventures or BAT group entities, as well as intra-group agreements related to product development.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Acting as commercial counsel, with a focus on all aspects of RDAs, third party procurement, supplier relationships (in particular in relation to development projects), and providing strategic input to support New Categories and other R&D business initiatives.
- Structuring, negotiating, drafting, and advising on execution of transactions including RDAs, project briefs, licensing agreements, partnering agreements and manufacturing or supply agreements.
- Being a “Centre of Excellence” on IP contracting within the Ops & Commercial legal team.
- Identifying and mitigating legal risk in proposed and operational commercial arrangements (including risks relating to intellectual property, data protection, tax, competition and compliance risks), advising on the issue and resolution of contractual disputes, and about contract termination.
- Providing guidance on application of Group policies, procedures and governance to proposed and operational third party and intra-group new categories arrangements involving Nicoventures Trading and other Nicoventures/BAT group entities.
- Advising on the presentation of proposed transactional matters for consideration and approval by the leadership team or other appropriate board or committee.
- Providing strategic advice and commercial counselling directly to New Categories, R&D and Procurement senior managers to support the operation of key contractual arrangements in place with suppliers.
What are we looking for?
- Extensive expertise in IP law, with a strong focus on patents and technology licensing.
- Proven experience advising on complex, high-value R&D agreements, global frameworks, and cross-border transactions.
- Ability to develop commercially sound strategies to protect IP in the context of innovation.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and project management skills across the full contract lifecycle.
- Strong eye for business, with the ability to balance legal risk and commercial objectives.
- Effective communicator with high emotional intelligence, able to convey complex legal issues clearly and build trusted relationships.
- Adaptable, hands-on professional with sound judgment, capable of managing competing priorities and identifying broader legal and compliance risks early.
What we offer you?
We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility). Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives. Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here. You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills. We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.
WHY JOIN BAT? We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions. At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.
We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture. Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.
Employees who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the criteria for the role, will be given preference over employees who are not at risk of redundancy.
Innovation Counsel (IP Law) in London employer: British American Tobacco
British American Tobacco (BAT) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that champions innovation and inclusivity. With a strong focus on employee growth, BAT provides access to personalised development programmes and online learning platforms, ensuring that your career progression is not just a goal but a reality. The company also boasts a market-leading performance bonus, diverse health plans, and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Counsel (IP Law) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at BAT or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into BAT's mission and values. Show how your skills in IP law align with their goal of creating A Better Tomorrow™. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in R&D agreements and licensing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves structuring and negotiating agreements, being able to demonstrate your approach to these scenarios during interviews will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the BAT team and contributing to their innovative journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Counsel (IP Law) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Innovation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for innovation and IP law shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to create A Better Tomorrow™. Make it personal and relatable!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to our journey in shaping the future.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of success! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at British American Tobacco
✨Know Your IP Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of intellectual property law, especially patents and technology licensing. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex R&D agreements in the past, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, particularly around RDAs and licensing agreements. Highlight your ability to balance legal risks with commercial objectives, as this is crucial for the Innovation Counsel position.
✨Understand BAT's Vision
Familiarise yourself with BAT's mission to create A Better Tomorrow™. Think about how your skills can contribute to their goal of building a smokeless world, and be ready to articulate this during the interview.
✨Build Relationships with Confidence
Demonstrate your effective communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've built trusted relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Show that you can convey complex legal issues clearly and work collaboratively with teams like R&D and Procurement.
