Description
Lead Patent Counsel
The opportunity
Hitachi Energy is looking for a Lead Patent Counsel to further strengthen Hitachi Energy’s global IP team by leading a team of patent counsels to create and protect the company’s IP, in line with our IP strategy.
As Lead Patent Counsel, you will bring your skills and expertise to ensure our strategic IP portfolio develops in accordance with our IP strategy, using your high degree of responsibility to draft, file and prosecute patent applications and maintain, and defend patent rights, together with your team of patent counsels.
At Hitachi Energy, diversity is more than a value—it’s our strength.
We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, can thrive, and contribute their unique perspectives. Through our global Diversity 360 strategy, we foster a culture of inclusion, equity, and respect—regardless of background, gender, age, ethnicity, ability, or identity. Our inclusive environment fuels innovation, drives collaboration, and empowers our people to shape a sustainable energy future for all.
The working location for this role is if based in the UK, is either London or Birmingham, United Kingdom, with the possibility to work onsite, hybrid or remote, in the UK.
Other European locations such as Sweden, Spain and Italy, will also be considered as a base for this role. Remote/Hybrid arrangements are country dependant.
Relocation and visa support is not provided.
The role may require some domestic and occasional overseas travelling.
How you’ll make an impact
Develop and lead a team of patent counsels, take ownership of your assigned IP cases and working together with the team of Patent Counsels, deliver high-quality IP services in a timely and efficient manner.
Actively support and advise on the preparation of invention disclosures, identify IP opportunities and maximize potential; align filings with company’s defined roadmap and strategy.
Together with external counsel, draft, file and prosecute patent applications and maintain, and defend patent rights. Manage external supplier engagements in terms of technical and legal expertise, quality and cost.
Work alongside the IP leadership team to create transparency, consistency, and visibility in all actions and for all team members; stimulate a climate of ownership, involvement and contribution, promote communication by all team members.
Be accountable for budgetary oversight by ensuring IP roadmaps are in line with set targets and available budget. Prioritizing strategic actions to the best interest of the company.
Define and lead risk management activities on a global basis in consideration of all relevant jurisdictions; implement reliable decision processes and ensure compliance therewith, direct and supervise monitoring of competitor patent protection for the benefit of various stakeholders across IP, R&D and the Business.
Managing harmonized and standardized processes throughout the entire IP value chain to deliver consistent and optimized results to the company.
Educate and drive awareness and decisions for IP performance through programs and initiatives; provide training and develop training materials as appropriate.
Your background
European Patent Attorney, university degree in electrical engineering, physics, electronics, mechanical engineering or computer science, other science or engineering degrees considered if supported by practical IP related experience in the energy sector; professional experience in IP in an IP law firm or multinational company.
An aspiring leader with a team player attitude, a flexible, self-driven, and pro-active growth mindset and a desire to take on team leadership (direct reports) across a global team. Hitachi Energy has a comprehensive leadership training program for new people managers.
Strong communication skills with throughout all seniority and management levels, deeply involving identifiable solutions, alternatives and risks associated with strategy, technology, competition and IP on a worldwide basis.
Excellent analytical skills be a quick study of technology, and possess a diversity of technical expertise, including the ability to relate to general technologies with one or more areas of expertise.
Experience of in working in cross-functional teams within complex matrix organizations is a clear advantage.
Hitachi Energy’s working language is English, therefore high proficiency is essential.
What we offer
Hitachi Energy is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every team member can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and skills. We provide competitive salaries, flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that encourages growth and innovation through career development programs and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Specific additional benefits depend on the location and will be communicated during the interview process.
More about us
Are you ready for a new exciting challenge? Does the above description sound like you? We welcome you to apply before 1 September 2025. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so don’t delay – apply today!
To help you plan your schedule, if you are successful for interview, we plan to hold in-person interviews in Birmingham 15th September, in London 16th September, and in Milan 18th September.
