Global Patent Strategy Director

Swatch Group; Neuenburg; Vor Ort; CHF 180.000 - 280.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Swatch Group, Neuchâtel, is seeking a Managing Director to lead the patent department as an autonomous service organization within the Group. You will define strategic vision, manage budgets, and drive IP value across multiple brands and R&D activities globally.

The role requires a European Patent Attorney qualification, a technical university degree, and 15+ years in IP/patent management with strong leadership. Fluent communication across diverse cultures is essential.

Qualifikationen

• European Patent Attorney qualification (EPO)
• University degree in a technical discipline as listed
• 15+ years in IP/patent management with leadership experience

Aufgaben

• Lead and manage the patent department as an autonomous service organization
• Define and implement the department's strategic vision aligned with Group objectives
• Manage the department’s budget and cost-efficiency in a self-financed model
• Develop internal costing structures, billing practices and KPIs
• Optimize resource allocation and workload planning across patent attorneys and support staff
• Drive continuous improvement of processes, tools and service quality
• Build partnerships with internal stakeholders and promote IP value within the Group
• Instruct, monitor and benchmark external providers and competitors
• Mentor and recruit team members to ensure long-term expertise
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical and professional standards
• Provide IP services for patents to all Group companies
• Protect innovations across companies
• Draft, file and prosecute patent applications worldwide
• Address oppositions, infringement risks and validity assessments
• Handle license agreements and patent enforcement
• Report to the Extend Management Board member

Kenntnisse

Patent strategy

Portfolio management

Intellectual property risk assessment

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Strategic thinking

Multilingual communication

Ausbildung

University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Microtechnology or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Swatch Group, Neuchâtel, is seeking a Managing Director to lead the patent department as an autonomous service organization within the Group. You will define strategic vision, manage budgets, and drive IP value across multiple brands and R&D activities globally.

The role requires a European Patent Attorney qualification, a technical university degree, and 15+ years in IP/patent management with strong leadership. Fluent communication across diverse cultures is essential.