Lead Brand Protection Manager

We are currently recruiting a Brand Protection Manager to lead matters involving Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) infringements in Spain and Portugal.

The successful candidate will be based in the Nike office in Barcelona and will be responsible for assisting Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA’s) and pro-actively gathering intelligence and carrying out investigations into IPR related offences. They will work closely with investigators, outside counsel and LEA’s to protect the Nike Brands and act against those who infringe Nike’s intellectual property rights.

The successful candidate will be pro-active, dynamic, highly motivated and have the ability to work in an office environment alongside Teammates from the Nike Business, but remote from their Line Manager. They will be an integral part of Nike’s EMEA and Global Brand Protection team and will need to be able to travel throughout Spain and Portugal, and occasionally to other countries, sometimes at short notice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Updating and implementing the BP strategy for Spain and Portugal in line with Nike’s Global BP strategy
• Managing external investigators and coordinating activity
• Developing relationships with Law Enforcement Agencies and assisting them in relation to criminal investigations
• Strengthen the relationships with local Trademark Associations to lobby institutions in relation to IPR issues
• Producing witness statements and, when required, giving evidence in court
• Producing timely and accurate responses to requests for product identification
• Working with Nike Inc.’s Legal Department and outside counsel to litigate against offenders
• Maintaining data bases ensuring accurate recording of intelligence, seizures etc.
• Providing training on product identification to outside agencies
• Managing the BP budget for Spain and Portugal, ensuring value for money and allocating resources appropriately
• Conducting market visits and tackling internet sales of counterfeit goods in cooperation with the Digital Brand Protection Team
• Ensuring that all work carried out complies with FCPA and other anti-bribery legislation

Requirements:

• A minimum of 6 years’ experience with Customs, Police, other Law Enforcement Agencies or in a BP/IP role with a global brand or law firm
• A strong understanding of enforcement, preferably with some corporate business experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish. Portuguese would be beneficial
• Experience in gathering intelligence, maintaining evidential chains and conducting pro-active investigations
• Proven presentation skills and the ability to positively influence others
• A good understanding of anti-counterfeiting legislation and law enforcement practices
• A high level of integrity and enthusiasm
• Good leadership skills and the ability to build effective internal and external networks
• Demonstrable experience of working with Spanish/Portuguese and foreign Law Enforcement Agencies, as well as other organisations such as the WCO, Europol and Interpol
• Full driving licence