Brand Protection Manager

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join our Liverpool FC team managing the Brand Protection team with the protection and enforcement of the Liverpool FC brand and its intellectual property rights.

What will you be doing?

• Develop, implement and manage a tailored online anti-counterfeiting strategy. Work closely with the Liverpool FC external online brand protection partner to protect the Liverpool FC brand and Intellectual Property globally. This can include the removal of counterfeit products, pirated content, or trade mark and design infringements.
• Liaise with external law enforcement partners (Trading Standards, Customs, Police) to support any criminal enforcement activity. This will include preparing evidence, witness statements, and responding to requests for authenticity checks.
• Conducting desktop investigations and instructing/supporting external counsel with potential civil litigation claims. Support any potential civil litigation proceedings by drafting and preparing cease and desist letters, liaising with outside counsel, responding to alleged infringers, and negotiating civil recovery settlements.
• Monitor and advise official Liverpool FC partners in their use of Liverpool FC intellectual property with regards to advertising, case studies and marketing campaigns.
• Produce periodic reports to communicate and update internal stakeholders as to all Brand Protection activity.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders such as Retail, Marketing, Partnerships, Legal and Digital Media to ensure the Brand Protection team are supporting these departments in the most effective way possible.
• Maintain and further LFC’s status as a leader in brand protection by closely collaborating with external agencies, service providers, online platforms and other football clubs / kit manufacturers.
• Attending customs training events and representing the Club at international Brand Protection events, developing excellent contacts with global law enforcement partners.
• Lead, implement and oversee civil recovery programs globally, ensuring that the LFC Brand Protection program delivers excellent ROI for the wider Club.
• Lead, implement and manage regional online and offline Brand Protection programs.
• Support the VP, Brand Protection & Corporate Security with trade mark portfolio work by collating evidence for Declarations of Trademark Use and for use in any opposition processes.
• Manage the Liverpool FC brand protection case management system.
• Demonstrate commercial acumen and budget awareness essential in running an effective in-house brand protection program.

Who are we looking for?

To be successful in this role, you must have Brand Protection experience, or law enforcement background with some commercial experience, including experience of enforcing intellectual property rights, particularly online and experience of legal related work. You’ll be knowledgeable of OSINT techniques and able to present findings clearly and concisely.

You will be able to demonstrate the ability to influence and build relationships externally with other rights owners, online platforms and service providers, as well as demonstrable commercial acumen. You’ll have expert online investigation skills and advanced IT skills with the ability to develop and maintain internal database systems and produce periodic reports. You will be able to showcase being a team player.

Why should you apply?

This is a full-time permanent role. Your main base will be our Chapel Street office which is close to local bars, shops and restaurants and has great views over the river Mersey.

To reward your hard work and commitment we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays and the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days) and a contributory pension scheme.

You will have access to our benefits kit bag where you can get high street discounts, and a selection of benefit schemes you can join. There are opportunities to get involved with volunteering through our LFC Foundation to give back to the local community.

At Liverpool Football Club, we have an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and are always looking to making a positive difference in the communities that we operate within. We are proud of our achievements in this area; maintaining the Premier League Equality Standard Advanced Level, becoming a founding signatory of the Football Association’s Football Leadership Diversity Code and being recognised as a leader in this important area on and off the pitch. We take our responsibilities in this area seriously and through the work being done across the club, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our people and becoming an increasingly inclusive workplace for all. We are committed to hiring great people representative of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills across our entire business. If you share our enthusiasm and passion for inclusivity, then we want to hear from you.

Liverpool FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Colleagues and Volunteers to share this commitment.