Legal Counsel IP and AI
Join us, be part of more. We’re so much more than an energy company. We’re a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That’s why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it. We are seeking an experienced legal professional with expertise in Intellectual Property (IP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to join our Privacy & Technology team. This is a strategic role at the heart of Centrica, supporting our purpose of energising a greener, fairer future and driving innovation in the energy transition to Net Zero.Location: With our Flexible First working arrangements we empower our colleagues to work in a way that best suits them – meaning location doesn’t need to be a barrier. This role can be mostly based at home but you must be flexible to travel as needed on at least a weekly basis to our sites, namely Windsor.This is a high-profile, varied position combining all aspects of IP and AI law. In this role you will:
- Manage Centrica’s global IP portfolio; trademarks, patents, and designs and enforce IP rights worldwide.
- Advise on IP and AI risks, regulatory compliance (e.g., EU AI Act, GDPR), and develop governance frameworks.
- Support commercial teams on IP provisions in contracts, acquisitions, and AI-related agreements.
- Handle contentious IP matters, including infringement claims, brand protection, and disputes.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to align legal strategy with commercial priorities.
- Champion innovation, providing training and promoting IP and AI awareness across the Group.
- Lead external IP panel and manage budgets.
- Act as the line manager for a small number of junior colleagues within the team.
- Manage trademark and design portfolios, working with marketing on brand clearance and protection.
- Work with R&D teams to identify, protect, and commercialise new technologies.
- Advise on AI-related contracts, licensing, and data-sharing agreements.
- Monitor global AI regulations and assess their impact on Centrica’s operations.
- Draft and review internal AI governance frameworks and ethical guidelines.
- Support litigation and dispute resolution involving IP and AI technologies.
- A Qualified lawyer (England & Wales or equivalent) with strong IP experience and interest in AI law.
- Commercially astute, adaptable, and able to manage complex, high-profile work.
- Excellent communicator with credibility at senior level.
- In-house experience and/or line management desirable.
- Willingness to learn and develop in emerging areas of law.
- Any additional IP, AI, Privacy certifications such as CTSI, IPReg, WIPO, AIPP, CIPP/E, CIPM would be advantageous.