Senior Counsel – Global Patents, Innovation

The Kraft Heinz Company

Senior Counsel responsible for legal guidance on R&D innovations at Kraft Heinz. Leading patent strategies and overseeing agreements to protect intellectual property.

Posted 7/8/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $164,200 - $205,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary legal resource for designated business units and technology areas within R&D
Draft, review, and negotiate R&D-related agreements, including non-disclosure, material transfer, joint development, and license agreements
Advise on the appropriate structure and use of R&D agreements to protect IP ownership, exclusivity, and trade secrets
Advise R&D on intellectual property protection strategies, including patent preparation, prosecution decisions, portfolio development, and risk assessment
Drive strategic patent filing decisions aligned with innovation roadmaps and business priorities
Conduct and advise on freedom-to-operate reviews for new technologies and products entering the market
Develop and deliver intellectual property–related training for R&D and other internal stakeholders
Manage and oversee outside counsel to ensure quality and cost-effective legal support
Support compliance with company policies related to signatory authority, ethics, and trade secret protection
Occasional travel may be required.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials and specialized patent experience
Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Science or technology background in chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related field
8+ years of legal experience with in-house experience strongly preferred
Significant experience drafting and negotiating R&D agreements and advising on their appropriate use
Experience preparing and prosecuting chemical and packaging-related patent applications
Experience advising R&D on patent prosecution strategy, risks, and portfolio development
Experience conducting freedom-to-operate analyses and assessing third-party patent risk
Ability to work independently, assess risk, and deliver practical, business-focused solutions
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Positive, collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization
Demonstrated ability to manage outside counsel effectively.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare
Protection and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs
Wellbeing: events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families
Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
Emotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Drafting R&D AgreementsNegotiating AgreementsPatent PreparationPatent ProsecutionRisk AssessmentPortfolio DevelopmentFreedom-to-Operate ReviewsIntellectual Property ProtectionCompliance SupportManaging Outside Counsel

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal CommunicationStrong Organizational SkillsCollaborative ApproachAbility to Work Independently

Certifications

Registered to Practice Before USPTO