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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the company's IP strategy and manage global patent portfolios.
- Company: Join Tate & Lyle, a global leader in food ingredients, based in vibrant London.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, bonuses, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Be part of a progressive team that values collaboration and innovation.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant science and extensive IP management experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with a focus on well-being and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Joining Tate & Lyle in the UK
Our global headquarters are in a fantastic London location, overlooking Hyde Park near Marble Arch. The office is home to our Executive Board and colleagues working across a range of global functions. The majority of the team split their time between home and office. The site is set up to support hybrid working and promote collaboration. It is a progressive workspace with a mix of different areas including meeting pods, sofas, an outside terrace, a quiet library room and a wellbeing space.
About this role:
As the Director, Intellectual Property you will develop and execute the company’s intellectual property strategy and direct the development of the patent and trademark portfolios to help drive the company’s growth objectives.
You will be an expert in the field of intellectual property and will provide counsel to stakeholders across the company on IP-related matters. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of the company’s global IP portfolio, including supporting the R&D/innovation teams. You will be a member of the legal leadership team, providing direction and guidance to the department, delivering thought leadership on complex problems and optimisation projects.
Accountabilities:
· Identify and manage IP-related risks for research and development team projects
· Present on IP portfolio strategy and risks to internal teams and stakeholders
· Develop and deliver training programs on IP awareness and best practices for employees
· Manage the global IP budget and resources and ensure the team are supported in making optimal decisions and achieving targets
· Identify and negotiate licensing opportunities to maximise the value of the company’s IP assets
· Support research contract drafting and negotiations, and business development deals
· Management of outside counsels, and managing external spend within the annual budget
· Act as IP ambassador to the research and innovation teams
· Develop and maintain relationships with key senior stakeholders, both inside and outside the company.
· Identify and implement opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the function.
· Filing, prosecuting, maintaining and defending patents
· Effectively manage the company’s trade secrets
Skills and Experience (Manager)
· Degree in chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, or food science. A PhD in a relevant science discipline is desirable.
· Qualified European or UK patent attorney, with previous experience of managing global patent portfolios
· Combined law firm experience and at least 8 years’ in-house IP management experience
· Strong core patent prosecution skills
· First-hand experience in IP-related adversarial proceedings, particularly in Europe
· Strong relationship builder, ability to collaborate effectively with a range of colleagues from different areas of the business
· Advanced communication skills to convey highly complicated and sometimes commercially sensitive information with a diverse audience
· Experience in developing short to mid-term (1-3 years) strategies and delivering longer-term strategies (3-5 years)
· Able to solve highly complex problems which require advanced decision-making, original thought and new solutions.
What You’ll Get
As business operating in 50 countries worldwide, we offer a global rewards package to all employees alongside a range of country-specific benefits. The global package includes a bonus scheme, 16-week Equal Parental Leave and mental health & well-being support.
- Flexible working policy
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Excellent employer pension contribution
- Personal private medical insurance
- Life assurance
Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.
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Director, Head of IP employer: Tate & Lyle
Contact Detail:
Tate & Lyle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Head of IP
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and developments in intellectual property law, especially in the food science sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the IP field, particularly those who have experience in managing global patent portfolios. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn from their experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed IP-related risks in previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing training programs on IP awareness, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build relationships with stakeholders by preparing anecdotes that illustrate your collaborative approach. Emphasize your communication skills and how you've effectively conveyed complex information to diverse audiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Head of IP
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Director, Head of IP position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in managing global patent portfolios and your qualifications as a European or UK patent attorney. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully handled IP-related projects in the past.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since advanced communication skills are crucial for this role, include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences. This could be through presentations, training programs, or stakeholder engagement.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that reflects your understanding of Tate & Lyle's business and how your expertise aligns with their goals. Mention your vision for developing and executing an intellectual property strategy that supports their growth objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tate & Lyle
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a candidate for the Director of Intellectual Property, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of IP strategies. Prepare to discuss your previous experiences managing global patent portfolios and how you've navigated complex IP-related challenges.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong relationship-building abilities. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with R&D teams and other stakeholders to drive IP initiatives and support innovation.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to discuss both short-term and long-term IP strategies. Think about how you would approach developing training programs on IP awareness and best practices, and be prepared to present your ideas clearly.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The ability to solve complex problems is key in this position. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've tackled challenging IP issues, showcasing your decision-making process and innovative solutions.
