Vice President Patents, Volvo Group IP

Job description

One day we are going to hand over this planet to the next generation. One day we are going to hand over our company to the next generation. Volvo Group is on an amazing fast paced journey, with major technology advancements and an ongoing technology transformation.

All aspects of intellectual property play an important part in this journey. And Volvo Group IP is there to secure the future and make intangibles tangible.

 

Who are we, your new colleagues? What is our offer to you?
Volvo Group IP is handling intellectual property matters for the complete Volvo Group, working in a business integrated and strategical setup with a constant proactive approach. We are located in Sweden, France, USA, South Korea, India and Brazil. Organizationally we are part of Volvo Group Trucks Technology, led by the Volvo Group Chief Technology Officer. 

Our four teams; Patents, IP Strategy & Portfolio, IP Legal, Trademarks & Designs, and IP Business Office; are taking care of the complete life cycle of patents, trademarks and designs, supporting and advising in strategical partnerships, licensing and other agreements, drive work in enforcement and defense matters and handle IP risk assessments.

Our Patents team is key for driving all matters related to patents, handling and proactively harvest inventions, creating and prosecuting patents to be high-value assets, assessing risk in relation to third-party patent rights and more. The team comprises 20 patent attorneys in a global setting, with 12 direct reports In Sweden and a manager located in France with the team members in France, US, India, Korea and Brazil reporting through that manager. The Patents team works in close collaboration with the other teams of VGIP with joint deliveries to other colleagues and functions within the Volvo Group.

As Vice President Patents you will be a member of our Volvo Group IP management team, consisting of three additional Vice Presidents and led by SVP Legal & Group IP, closely working together in a collaborative, supportive and transparent way. In your role you are expected to drive and suggest synergies in department activities and steps needed for the department to continuously evolve and develop.
You will be located in Gothenburg, Sweden, in a dynamic office environment close to Volvo Group colleagues and leadership.

To summarize, your role will include:
•    Leading and developing a global team of patent attorneys including a manager.
•    Leading patent creation, prosecution and patent risk management together with continuous improvement for the complete Volvo Group. 
•    Sourcing, selecting and creating relationships with suppliers such as IP firms and law firms, maintenance, and digital tools relating to patent processes.
•    Having the responsibility for the inventor remuneration handling. 
•    Financial responsibility and accountability for all expenses relating to inventions, patent and risk mitigation; which include creating an annual budget and adhering to the budget, integrated in the Volvo Group IP budget. 
•    Accountability for Directive/Policy/Guideline updates relating to IP, Patents and Inventor Remuneration.
•    Responsibility to be an ambassador for IP and suggest and join internal and external communication channels.

 

Who are you? Are we a perfect match?
We don´t know who you are yet, but we are sure that you are a true collaborator without prestige and with a positive, co-operative can-do mindset. 
As a leader, you cultivate innovation by inspiring and motivating your team and others around you, while creating a genuine team feeling and a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
You thrive in a fast-moving environment and multitask effectively. You see things that need to be done before they´ve even occurred and are valued for your high energy levels which you always try to transfer to your colleagues, combined with trustworthiness and integrity. 

 

We also believe you have:
•    Master of Science in Engineering or equivalent technical degree.
•    Several years of experience in the patent domain, either at an IP firm or in-house.
•    Extensive IP expertise and comprehensive patent attorney capabilities. 
      It is meritorious but not required to have the right to practice before national/regional patent offices and to be a European Patent Attorney, or equivalent in other jurisdictions.
•    Expert knowledge of patent law in the main IP jurisdictions and knowledge of trademark, design and trade secret law.
•    Up-to-date knowledge of IP Strategies, trends, developments, and practices as well as for IT tools.
•    Business acumen, preferably within the automotive industry.
•    Proven ability to think and act strategically with a business-driven approach.
•    Strong leadership experience, including change management.
•    Effective leadership skills with relevant people management experience.
•    Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
•    Proven track record in stakeholder management.

 

For more information, do not hesitate to contact:
Susann Vahlenbreder Hecht, SVP Legal & Volvo Group IP, susann.vahlenbreder.hecht@volvo.com
Linus Eklund, VP Patents, Volvo Group IP, linus.eklund@volvo.com
Julia Karlberg, Talent Acquisition Partner, julia.karlberg@volvo.com

 

Last application date 11th of may.
 

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

 

Who we are and what we believe in 
Our focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity allows each of us the opportunity to bring our full authentic self to work and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination. We are committed to removing the barriers to entry, which is why we ask that even if you feel you may not meet every qualification on the job description, please apply and let us decide.

 

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group . Every day, across the globe, our trucks, buses, engines, construction equipment, financial services, and solutions make modern life possible. We are almost 100,000 people empowered to shape the future landscape of efficient, safe and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents with sharp minds and passion across the group’s leading brands and entities. 

 

Group Trucks Technology are seeking talents to help design sustainable transportation solutions for the future. As part of our team, you’ll help us by engineering exciting next-gen technologies and contribute to projects that determine new, sustainable solutions. Bring your love of developing systems, working collaboratively, and your advanced skills to a place where you can make an impact. Join our design shift that leaves society in good shape for the next generation.

Job Category:  Legal, Compliance & Audit

Organization:  Group Trucks Technology

Travel Required:  Occasional Travel

Requisition ID:  20651