Group head of intellectual property and data protection

pTo strengthen our global Legal, IP Risk function, we are looking for a Group Head of Intellectual Property Data Protection. This senior legal role combines leadership of Drylock’s global IP portfolio with responsibility for data protection and NIS2-related legal matters. /p pYou will work closely with RD, Category Management, Operations, IT and senior management. You will connect innovation and business priorities with clear legal strategies, robust portfolio management and pragmatic implementation. The role combines hands-on day-to-day work with significant strategic projects across the group. /p h31. Product Protection | approximately 65% /h3 pLead the legal protection of Drylock’s product, material, process and manufacturing innovations through patents, know-how, freedom-to-operate analysis, prosecution, licensing and enforcement. The role acts as the principal internal IP contact and the key link between RD, the business and external patent counsel. /p h3DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES /h3 ulliManage the global patent portfolio throughout its lifecycle, including inventor formalities, annuities, deadlines and records. /liliAssess, define and lead the appropriate legal and IP response to innovation and third-party rights issues, including continued monitoring, freedom-to-operate analyses, oppositions, enforcement actions, prosecution strategy, protective letters, licensing and other protection measures, using external patent counsel where appropriate. /liliAssess innovations presented through the agreed RD review process and decide, jointly with RD, what, where and how to protect, including drafting proposals of technical claims and deciding on protection strategy, filing territories, patent drafting, prosecution and portfolio development /li /ul h3STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES /h3 ulliJointly wiht RD, define and implement Drylock’s global product protection and patent strategy. /liliEstablish and continuously improve the governance and decision framework for identifying, assessing and protecting innovations. /liliBuild portfolio insight linking technologies, patents, products, countries and business priorities. /liliLead IP workstreams in major patent disputes, strategic licences, collaborations, MA and technology commercialisation. /liliSupport Finance and Tax on innovation deduction, transfer pricing, IP valuation and portfolio optimisation. /li /ul h32. Brand Protection | approximately 15% /h3 pProtect and strengthen Drylock’s trademarks, designs, product appearance, packaging and digital brand assets in close cooperation with Category Management, Sales and other business stakeholders. /p h3DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES /h3 ulliManage global trademark and design portfolios with external counsel, including filings, renewals, watches, evidence of use and records. /liliCoordinate legal clearance for names, logos, claims, packaging, product appearance, prints and domain names. /liliConnect registered rights with actual commercial use, ownership, countries, channels, launches and phase-outs. /liliAdvise on ownership, licensing, permitted use and contractual allocation of Drylock-owned and customer-owned brand assets. /liliCoordinate evidence capture, escalation and proportionate enforcement. /li /ul h3STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES /h3 ulliDevelop and implement a global brand and design protection strategy. /liliDefine what Drylock protects, how, where and for how long, and rationalise the portfolio accordingly. /liliEstablish practical intake, approval and decision processes for new brands, designs and packaging concepts. /liliStrengthen coordination between Legal, IP Risk, Category Management, Sales and the wider business. /li /ul h33. Data Protection, Privacy NIS2 | approximately 20% /h3 pProvide practical legal support on data protection and privacy and support the group’s NIS2 readiness and ongoing compliance in cooperation with IT, Information Security, Risk, HR and relevant business teams. /p h3DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES /h3 ulliAdvise on GDPR and privacy matters involving employee, customer and business data. /liliSupport data sharing, transparency, retention, processor arrangements and international data transfers. /liliMaintain practical privacy policies, templates, records, assessments and awareness materials. /liliCoordinate legal support for data incidents and personal data breach response. /liliSupport cybersecurity-related legal matters and regulatory obligations. /liliMonitor relevant legal developments and translate them into proportionate actions. /li /ul h3STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES /h3 ulliStrengthen group-wide privacy governance and embed privacy requirements in key business initiatives. /liliSupport NIS2 implementation and ongoing compliance, including responsibilities, risk-management measures, incident reporting, supply-chain considerations, documentation and awareness. /liliDevelop clear privacy and NIS2 implementation roadmaps and management reporting. /liliPartner with IT, Information