Innovation Counsel (IP Law)

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!

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 [and external applicants]