Investigator, Brand Protection

Job Description

As part of the Global Brand Protection Team, this position will focus on identifying and investigating criminal activity relating to intellectual property and trademark violations. This position will support numerous areas of the business by identifying and capturing digital intelligence, as well as coordinating and assisting with other cross-functional department projects. Success in this role will be highly dependent upon utilizing open-source intelligence (OSINT and SOCMINT) to perform online investigations in a fast-paced environment.

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Responsible for identifying and investigating criminal activity relating to intellectual property and trademark violations for all A&F brands, building and resolving online to offline casework
• Coordinate global investigative efforts with Private Investigative Groups, Local Law Enforcement, Customs Agencies, and Corporate Attorneys
• Preparation and database management of case reports covering investigative details and findings as well as identifying control weaknesses and providing risk assessments with recommended solutions
• Coordinate verification efforts with Home Office Personnel to determine authenticity of infringing products
• Conduct regional web investigations and support influencer vetting programs, focused on accuracy, efficiency measurements, and the development of cross-functional team members assisting with these matters
• Execute open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigation requests in a timely manner, providing objective reporting in a standardized format
• Conduct brand training with local authorities as well as internal and external partners globally
• Perform market surveys to identify others infringing our Intellectual Property Rights
• Provide testimony and swear to legal documents on behalf of A&F brands
• Other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary by A&F Brand Protection leadership

What Do You Need To Bring?

• Bachelor degree or equivalent required
• 2-4 years experience with investigations, brand protection or asset protection
• Knowledgeable in Intellectual Property Rights and anti-counterfeiting enforcement
• Experience investigating on-line infringements, intel gathering and familiarity with Internet law
• Proficient with e-commerce, social media, and other digital platforms
• Outstanding attention to detail with an ability to multi-task and problem solve
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while working on highly sensitive matters
• Must demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a team
• Experience using Microsoft business intelligence tools and their suite of products
• Must pass a comprehensive background check
• Minimum of 25% travel
• Chinese/English bilingual ability a plus, emphasis on Mandarin language proficiency, specifically

Our Company

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global retailer of five iconic, omnichannel lifestyle brands catering to the kid through millennial customer: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks and Social Tourist. At A&F Co., we’re here for our associates, customers and communities on the journey to being and becoming who they are – and because no journey is the same, we strive to create an inclusive culture, where everyone is free to share ideas.

Our Values

We lead with purpose and always put our people first, which is evidenced by our Great Place to Work™ Certification, as well as being a 2021 recipient of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Retail, and named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for 16 consecutive years. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.

What You'll Get

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:

• Incentive bonus program
• 401(K) savings plan with company match
• Annual companywide review process
• Flexible spending accounts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Associate assistance program
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Mobile Stipend
• Paid time off & one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles & six work from anywhere weeks per year)
• Seven associate wellness half days per year
• Onsite fitness center
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER