Head of Legal, Intellectual Property in Manchester

CHEP helps move more goods to more people in more places than any other organization on earth via our 347 million pallets, crates and containers. We employ approximately 13,000 people and operate in 60 countries. Through our pioneering and sustainable share-and-reuse business model, the world's biggest brands trust us to help them transport their goods more efficiently, safely and with less environmental impact.

The Head of Legal IP will be a key member of the global legal leadership team reporting directly into the Chief Legal Officer and will 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 and 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.

Skills to Succeed in the Role

• Coaching, Contract Negotiations, Cross-Functional Leadership, Disruptive Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Feedback, Inclusive Leadership, Influencing Skills, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property Law, IP Management, Leading Change, Patent Law, Prioritization, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking.

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.