Technology Agreements Counsel

Established over 100 years ago, we are one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. We are known for our great brands and our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance.  Our products are sold in over 190 countries, and, on any given day, 3.4 billion consumers worldwide use them. We own some of the best known and best loved brands, including Dove, Persil, Axe, Cif, Comfort, Dermalogica, Hellmann’s, Knorr TRESemmé and Vaseline.

In order to unlock our full potential and accelerate business performance, Unilever has set out a Growth Action Plan. It outlines the steps we are taking to deliver faster growth, drive productivity and simplicity, and dial up our performance culture.  Unmissable brand superiority is front and centre of our Growth Action Plan, as is the drive to accelerate science and technology.

We are at the forefront of innovation and digitalisation with GenAI tools, data and Powerhouses shaping the future of how we work. The Legal Powerhouses are part of the legal function and provide defined, structured services to our other lawyers and to the broader business. Unilever's legal team has recently been awarded Most Innovative In-House Legal Team in Europe and In-House Legal Team using GenerativeAI. 

JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. If you enjoy dynamic and agile environments and providing creative solutions for the business, then this role is just for you!   

The role of the Legal Group is to protect Unilever and help it to win. This role reports into the Head of Patents and is one of two newly created roles that will, as part of the Legal Powerhouse, provide legal support for our global R&D function in partnering with the wider innovation ecosystem. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Unilever at a pivotal moment for the company. In order to deliver the ambitions of Unilever’s Growth Action Plan, Unilever R&D will need to partner with a range of innovation partners, including Universities, startups and suppliers. This role will be responsible for enabling those partnerships through creative contract drafting and sound legal advice.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Together with the other Powerhouse colleagues and members of the Patents team, you will be responsible for:

• Contract drafting and negotiation: Negotiating and drafting complex R&D contracts including joint development agreements, sponsored research agreements, technology licences and R&D consortium agreements. This includes collaborating with functional experts where there are inter-dependencies with IP (e.g. advising on IP -related aspects of supply chain contracts).
• Advising on contracting strategy: Advising stakeholders on the best contractual set-up for envisioned partnerships.
• Creating and maintaining templates: Devising and revising templates for standard types of R&D agreements including CDAs, MTAs and service agreements as well as creating R&D contractual frameworks for long-term partnerships.
• Instilling an IP culture: Raising IP awareness (including through training) across R&D and the wider business on the need to protect IP in working with third parties and ensuring compliance with our Code of Business Principles.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

Essential

• Legally qualified with 5+ years PQE in drafting and negotiating technology-related agreements.
• Strong English language drafting and legal advisory skills.
• Sound knowledge of IP including trade secret protection, the patent system, ownership and licensing.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work with colleagues across multiple time zones and countries and at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to distil complex issues simply.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills to cope with multiple stakeholders, competing deadlines and priorities.

Preferable

• Degree-level or higher science qualification.
• Experience supporting an R&D organisation.
• Working knowledge of EU Horizon and/or other consortia agreements.
• Experience of drafting clinical and regulatory agreements.
• Experience related to software/AI agreements.

Leadership

• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors
  • PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
  • PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.
  • CONSUMER LOVE: Whatever their role, always looks for better ways to serve consumers. Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.
  • PURPOSE & SERVICE: Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside Unilever.
  • AGILITY: Explores the world around them, continually learning and developing their skills.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

• Hybrid Work
• 4 weeks of Flex Work per year: Opportunity to work remotely for the entire week without coming into the office.
• Flexible hours: Work hours with a wide range of starting and ending times to accommodate your needs.
• Restaurant Card and canteen service in our offices.
• Parking: Possibility of parking at the offices at a reduced cost and with free electric chargers.
• Online language courses.
• Wellbeing Programs: Resources and activities to promote physical, mental, emotional, and purposeful wellbeing.
• Online store with exclusive discounts on UL products and other recognized brands.
• Hairdressing service: Hairdressing available within the office at special rates for employees.
• And many more!

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.