Head of Legal, Innovation, IP & Digital

About the Role

Head of Legal - Innovation, IP & Digital

 Full-Time, Permanent

 UK based 

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Legal - Innovation, Intellectual Property & Digital to act as the Group’s subject‑matter expert at the intersection of technology, innovation, IP and digital risk. Reporting directly to the Group General Counsel, you will work closely with divisional leadership, engineers, product teams, digital and data specialists to ensure innovation is protected, commercialised and deployed responsibly across global markets

This is a senior, influential role with real scope to shape frameworks, policy and strategy - not just advise on transactions

What you’ll be doing:  

• Own and lead the Group IP strategy, ensuring new intellectual property is identified, protected and leveraged effectively.
• Support product development, R&D and joint innovation programmes, advising on ownership, licensing and collaboration models.
• Act as the Group expert on technology, software, digital, data and AI matters, including SaaS, platform agreements and emerging regulatory issues.
• Enable responsible innovation, balancing commercial ambition with governance, ethics and risk management.
• Build Group-wide capability through frameworks, policies and training on IP, digital compliance and AI governance.
• Influence at senior levels while partnering closely with Divisional General Counsels to ensure consistent, pragmatic application.

What we’re looking for:  

You will be a qualified lawyer with deep experience in intellectual property, technology law and new product development, most likely gained in‑house or in a sophisticated commercial environment. You will be comfortable operating across unfamiliar technical domains and translating legal complexity into clear, practical advice for engineers, digital teams and senior leaders. You will have strong IP capability across patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets.

In addition, we are looking for demonstrable experience advising on technology, digital or data‑driven products and services, confidence in shaping governance and policy, not just providing reactive advice when engaging with innovation, digitalisation and AI.

You will operate as a Group‑level expert in a complex, international organisation.

Experience with AI regulation, data governance or industrial/engineering‑led sectors would be advantageous, but mindset and leadership capability are paramount.

About Us:  

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets. 

Our One James Fisher strategy unites our capabilities under a single vision, building a stronger, more cohesive business within the Blue Economy. 

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!   

Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.  

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.

To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA