Job Description

Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Haci Sakir, Suavitel, PCA SKIN, EltaMD, Filorga and Hello as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading consumer products company that serves hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide with brands and products across four core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. We are committed to offering products that make lives healthier and more enjoyable, and programs that enrich communities around the world.

Every day millions of people trust our products to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our goal is to use our technology to create products that will continue to improve the quality of life for our consumers wherever they live.

A career at Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.
Information at a Glance
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Job Title:  Research & Development Counsel
Travel Required:  Travel - up to 10% of time
Posting Start Date:  1/7/21
Temporarily Remote

No Relocation Assistance Offered
# 96220 - Piscataway, New Jersey, United States

 

Colgate-Palmolive invites applicants for the position of Research & Development Counsel.  This position provides general counsel to the Global Technology (Research & Development) teams across multiple geographies for all product categories, including drafting and negotiating agreements as well as providing counsel related to early research, clinical research, product development and product implementation and support.  Specific responsibilities include:  

 

General Legal Counsel and Contract Drafting and Negotiation 

  • Draft and review a broad range of agreements for Global Technology in all product categories, including non-disclosure, material transfer, service, research, clinical study and joint development agreements, etc.  
  • Negotiate agreements with third parties, including corporations, startups, universities, research organizations, consultants, research scientists and key opinion leaders.  
  • Identify and advise on legal risks and contractual issues and interpretation, bringing additional internal or external resources to bear as necessary.

Transactions

  • Provide legal support for transactions generated by the Strategic Innovation and Technology Alliances team (“SITA”) and other Global Technology clients in all product categories, including joint ventures, strategic alliances, joint development agreements, licenses and equity investments in early stage companies.  
  • Provide support in the conduct of due diligence (including by coordinating review by other legal specialists – e.g., patent and regulatory attorneys), the drafting and review of definitive and ancillary agreements, and the closing of transactions. 

Additional Responsibilities

  • Provide formal training and informal coaching to new and existing Global Technology employees, including substantive training regarding the legal risks and best practices associated with external innovation, and with respect to legal tools like the contract management system and electronic data room.
  • Provide legal support to other functions located in the Colgate Technology Center in their contracting needs.  
  • Provide legal support on additional projects as directed.
  • Remain abreast of best practices and developments in relevant areas of the law, including technology and intellectual property, that may impact the Global Technology function.    
  • Identify data privacy and/or GDPR compliance concerns in various agreements and work with Data Privacy counsel to integrate appropriate language to protect data and/or PII.

 

Qualifications & Skills:  

  • Undergraduate and JD degrees required
  • NJ, NY, and/or PA Bar Admission required
  • Minimum of 5 years legal experience required in a law firm or in-house with a focus on counseling clients on legal issues involving R&D, technology and transactions with companies, including early stage companies, preferably both within the United States and internationally.
  • Strong drafting, negotiation, critical thinking and strong analytical skills required
  • Ability to communicate effectively, including communicating complicated technical and legal issues to non-technical personnel.
  • Self-starter, ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a timely manner.  
  • Proactively enhance technical expertise by attending external training and reading current legal materials.
  • Knowledge of consumer products business is a plus.  
  • Ability to work effectively in a remote environment when necessary. 
  • Very strong people and leadership skills – ability to influence others with tact and diplomacy.
  • Ability to provide practical, business focused advice.
  • Process-oriented with strong organizational skills but also flexible.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Are you interested in working for Colgate-Palmolive? You can apply online and attach all relevant documents such as a cover letter and resume or CV. Applications received by e-mail are not considered in the selection process. Become part of our team. We look forward to your application.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sorriso, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sanex, Elta MD, PCA Skin, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. 

For more information about Colgate’s global business, visit the Company’s web site at http://www.colgatepalmolive.com. To learn more about Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® oral health education program, please visit http://www.colgatebsbf.com. To learn more about Hill's and the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program please visit http://www.hillspet.com. To learn more about Tom’s of Maine  please visit  http://www.tomsofmaine.com.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please contact Application_Accommodation@colpal.com with the subject "Accommodation Request" should you require accommodation.
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