Investigator, Brand Protection (Global Home Office)

Job Description 

As part of the Global Brand Protection Team, this position will focus on identifying and investigating criminal activity relating to intellectual property and trademark violations.  This position will support numerous areas of the business by identifying and capturing digital intelligence, as well as coordinating and assisting with other cross-functional department projects.  Success in this role will be highly dependent upon utilizing open-source intelligence (OSINT and SOCMINT) to perform online investigations in a fast-paced environment. 

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.  

What Will You Be Doing? 

• Responsible for identifying and investigating criminal activity relating to intellectual property and trademark violations for all A&F brands, building and resolving online to offline casework
• Coordinate global investigative efforts with Private Investigative Groups, Local Law Enforcement, Customs Agencies, and Corporate Attorneys
• Preparation and database management of case reports covering investigative details and findings as well as identifying control weaknesses and providing risk assessments with recommended solutions
• Coordinate verification efforts with Home Office Personnel to determine authenticity of infringing products
• Conduct regional web investigations and support influencer vetting programs, focused on accuracy, efficiency measurements, and the development of cross-functional team members assisting with these matters
• Execute open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigation requests in a timely manner, providing objective reporting in a standardized format
• Conduct brand training with local authorities as well as internal and external partners globally
• Perform market surveys to identify others infringing our Intellectual Property Rights
• Provide testimony and swear to legal documents on behalf of A&F brands
• Other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary by A&F Brand Protection leadership

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• Bachelor degree or equivalent preferred
• 2+ years experience with investigations, brand protection or asset protection
• Knowledgeable in Intellectual Property Rights and anti-counterfeiting enforcement
• Experience investigating on-line infringements, intel gathering and familiarity with Internet law
• Proficient with e-commerce, social media, and other digital platforms
• Outstanding attention to detail with an ability to multi-task and problem solve
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while working on highly sensitive matters
• Must demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a team
• Experience using Microsoft business intelligence tools and their suite of products
• Must pass a comprehensive background check
• Minimum of 25% travel

Our Company  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. 

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com. 

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

Benefits & Perks  

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program 
• Annual companywide review process 
• Flexible spending accounts 
• Medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Life and disability insurance 
• Associate assistance program 
• Paid parental and adoption leave 
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot 
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace 
• Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community 
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year) 
• Seven associate wellness half days per year 
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands 
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within 
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups 
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER