Senior Counsel – Global Patents & Innovation

Skills

• Expertise in patent preparation and prosecution
• Freedom-to-operate analysis
• Intellectual property protection strategy
• Trade secrets management
• R&D agreements

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to R&D organization
• Draft, review, and negotiate R&D-related agreements
• Advise on appropriate structure and use of R&D agreements
• Advisory on intellectual property protection strategies
• Drive strategic patent filing decisions
• Conduct and advise on freedom-to-operate reviews
• Develop and deliver intellectual property-related training
• Manage and oversee outside counsel

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials and specialized patent experience
• Registered to practice before the USPTO
• Science or technology background in chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related field
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating R&D agreements
• Experience preparing and prosecuting chemical and packaging-related patent applications
• Experience advising R&D on patent prosecution strategy, risks, and portfolio development
• Experience conducting freedom-to-operate analyses and assessing third-party patent risk
• Ability to work independently, assess risk, and deliver practical, business-focused solutions
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Positive, collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated ability to manage outside counsel effectively

Qualifications

• 8+ years of legal experience with in-house experience strongly preferred

Pay

New Hire Base Salary Range: $164,200.00 - $205,200.00

This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

Schedule

A hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite weekly out of 1 of 4 primary locations:

• World HQ in downtown Chicago, IL (Preferred)
• R&D Center in Glenview, IL
• Kraft Heinz Innovation Center - Warrendale, PA
• Coffee/HQ in downtown Pittsburgh, PA