About us

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 119 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 26,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that create exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all.

As we move forward, our consumers are at the forefront of what we do and we’re evolving to their needs and expectations. We’re also committed to a more meaningful contribution to harm reduction by building a successful NGP business. Integral to our long-term success is our sustainability strategy, behaving responsibly and supporting our ambitions, all underpinned by strong governance.

Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

The role

A recently qualified UK Chartered and/or European patent attorney to work as part of the Group’s patents team and with the wider IP team, Innovation and Procurement functions, and external counsel to efficiently build and manage the Group’s patent portfolios and manage IP risk.

The role is suited to a commercially astute individual with good communication skills who would enjoy working with a diverse group of stakeholders (including technical experts, project teams and external counsel) on a wide range of patent issues, including idea captures, patent filings and prosecution, oppositions, portfolio management and FTO exercises. 

Key Accountabilities

• Securing efficient and thorough idea capture from the Group’s innovation teams
• Working closely with other members of the Group IP team and external attorneys in connection with patent filing, prosecution, opposition and FTO matters
• Working closely with other members of the Group IP team to maintain a fit-for-purpose patent portfolio in line with the Group’s patent filing practices and strategy.
• Supporting FTO exercises in connection with R&D projects and proposed product launches or acquisitions
• Managing landscape studies in support of discovery and early-stage R&D projects
• Providing training to members of the R&D teams in connection with patentability and FTO issues
• Managing the collation, review and communication of patent information, including competitor insights, for and to relevant stakeholders throughout the business to help inform innovation and/or FTO activities.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Recently qualified UK or European patent attorney
• Commercial astuteness
• High levels of organisation, accuracy, and attention to detail 
• Responsiveness
• Agility to manage change and/or urgent business demands
• Analytical thinking and good problem-solving skills
• Excellent relationship-building skills and ability to work with teams and across multiple disciplines and cultures
• Ability to communicate advice clearly and succinctly to business managers.

Desirable:

• Flexibility to travel
• Experience working in-house or directly with commercial and/or innovation teams.

What we offer

Imperial Brands offer a competitive package of salary, bonus scheme, pension and 25 days holiday (with an additional 4 days on top to cover the Christmas period and bank holidays) and hybrid working.

Next steps

Interested applicants should apply with their CV highlighting their suitability for the role.