Interim - Head of Intellectual Property (Global) (9-12 month maternity contract)

Founded by British makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury MBE in 2013, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has revolutionised the face of the global beauty industry by de-coding makeup applications for everyone, everywhere, with an easy-to-use, easy-to-choose, easy-to-gift range. Today, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty continues to break records across countries, channels, and categories and to scale at pace.

Over the last 10 years, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has experienced exceptional growth and is one of the most talked about brands in the beauty industry and beyond. It has become a global sensation across 50 markets (and growing), with over 2,300 employees globally who are part of the Dream Team making the magic happen.

Today, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty is a truly global business, delivering market-leading growth, innovative retail and product launches fuelled by industry-leading tech — all with an internal culture of embracing challenges, disruptive thinking, winning together, and sharing the magic. The energy behind the bran­d is infectious, and as we grow, we are always looking for extraordinary talent who want to be part of this our success and help drive our limitless ambitions.

About the role

The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in intellectual property law, with specific expertise in handling all kinds of global IP disputes and litigation, which should include trademarks, designs and copyright, domain name disputes, online enforcement and pre-dispute advisory work. You ideally possess extensive experience working in an in-house legal environment preferably within beauty, fashion, retail or luxury. You will have at least 8-10 years’ post qualification experience and have trained at a leading private practice or national firm. You will need to be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and at pace, demonstrating a commercial and practical approach in dealing with a variety of legal issues across multiple geographical locations and legal systems. Personable, approachable and with excellent communication skills, you must build successful relationships with colleagues and challenge and influence across all levels within the business.  

 This is a 9-12-month maternity cover position, ideally with a mid-January 2025 start.

As Interim – Head of Intellectual Property you will

• Devising and implementing comprehensive protection and enforcement strategies for the Group’s IP Portfolio that align with the business’ global objectives.
• Day-to-day operation and management of the Group’s trade mark and brand protection work (working with external TM attorneys) and the operation and chairing of the Group’s Intellectual Property Committee. You will work closely with the business’ global TM attorney firm that supports on clearance searches, filings and prosecution matters and the business’ external brand protection advisors.
• Work closely with the business to identify, clear and manage IP-related risks in the development of advertising campaigns and products and ensure proper procedures are followed to secure ownership of IP rights throughout the creative development process.
• Management of all IP related disputes and litigation, working with external counsel as required.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and agreements related to IP (co-existence, settlements, licensing, acquisition of content etc) and supporting on the IP aspects of broader marketing deals such as sponsorships, partnership deals, product placements, content creation commissions.
• Providing intellectual property guidance and training to stakeholders across the business.

Who you will work with

• You will report directly to the Chief Legal Officer.

Working Environment

• Office based: Central London (hybrid working, office based for 3 days per week).
• Charlotte Tilbury is a dynamic and fun place to work.  As a result, the business drivers can change regularly and you will be expected to work at a demanding and efficient pace.

About you

• 8-10 years post qualification experience
• Solid training and qualification from a leading City or national law firm
• In-house experience is highly desirable
• Attention to detail is critical
• Highly effective communicator (written and oral) at all levels
• Strong business acumen and the ability to align legal strategies with business goals.
• Ability to be persuasive and interact effectively with teams and stakeholders in varying time zones (i.e., UK, Europe, US, Asia) across the business with a can-do attitude.

• Excellent knowledge of IP law, media, and personality rights in the UK and ideally USA, China and EMEA, covering copyright, moral rights, trademarks, fair dealing, rights of publicity/privacy, defamation, and freedom of speech.
• Experience managing complex IP litigation and disputes (including cease and desist matters) on a global basis.
• Experience drafting and negotiating a range of agreements for a UK and international business, including co-existence agreements, settlement agreements, licensing deals, and supporting on the IP aspects of broader marketing deals such as sponsorships, partnership deals, product placements, content creation commissions.
• Experience of working for a global brand and advising on multi-jurisdictional issues.

Charlotte Tilbury is a fast-paced and dynamic environment where nimble mindsets, striving to deliver the best and wanting to be part of a #dreaamteam are key. Even though we have requirements our experience and background are just a guide, we still love to welcome applicants with more or less experience stated, provided necessary skills can be demonstrated. Even if you don’t tick all the boxes – Apply anyway!

Why join us?

• Be a part of this values driven, high growth, magical journey with an ultimate vision to empower everyone, everywhere to be the best version of themselves
• We’re a hybrid model with flexibility, allowing you to work how best suits you
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) with an additional day to celebrate your birthday
• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents and carers throughout their parenting and caring journey
• Financial security and planning with our pension and life assurance for all
• Wellness and social benefits including Medicash, Employee Assist Programs and regular social connects with colleagues
• Bring your fury friend to work with you on our allocated dog friendly days and spaces
• And not to forget our generous product discount and gifting!

At Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, our mission is to empower everybody in the world to be the most beautiful version of themselves. We celebrate and support this by encouraging and hiring people with diverse backgrounds, cultures, voices, beliefs, and perspectives into our growing global workforce. By doing so, we better serve our communities, customers, employees - and the candidates that take part in our recruitment process.

If you want to learn more about life at Charlotte Tilbury Beauty please follow our LinkedIn page!