Business Development Manager - Patents

Sun IP; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology-enabled provider in California is seeking a new business development professional to drive growth in patent-related services. The role involves proactively identifying opportunities with IP law firms and corporate departments, delivering impactful presentations, and fostering client relationships. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of experience in selling patent services, fluent communication skills in both German and English, along with a strong consultative selling approach. Willingness to travel for client meetings is also required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of direct experience selling patent related services.
• Proven ability to build trust with sophisticated, global IP stakeholders.
• Fluency in written and spoken German and English.
• Strong communication, presentation, and consultative selling skills.
• Willingness to travel for meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and pursue new opportunities in the patent services.
• Lead discovery conversations and deliver presentations tailored to IP professionals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and primary contact for assigned accounts.
• Grow accounts through upselling and cross-selling.
• Maintain high client satisfaction and loyalty through proactive communication.

Skills

Selling patent related services

Building trust with global IP stakeholders

Fluency in German

Fluency in English

Strong communication skills

Presentation skills

Consultative selling skills

Job description

SunIP is a leading technology-enabled provider of global intellectual property administration and filing services. We deliver best-in-class patent and trademark translation, foreign filing, and renewal management solutions that help law firms and in-house IP teams safeguard innovation worldwide. Powered by a secure, cloud-based technology platform and a deep commitment to service, we support clients with subject-matter experts across all technical fields.

What You'll Do

New Business Development

• Proactively identify and pursue new opportunities with IP law firms, corporate IP departments, and other innovation-driven organizations with a focus on our patent related services (patent filings, patent annuities, patent translations, etc.).
• Conduct outreach via calls, emails, LinkedIn, referrals, and networking events.
• Lead discovery conversations and position SunIP’s solutions as essential tools in global IP administration.
• Deliver impactful virtual and in-person presentations, tailored to IP professionals’ needs.
• Represent SunIP at industry conferences and events to grow your network and drive leads.

Account Growth & Client Success

• Serve as a strategic advisor and primary contact for assigned accounts.
• Deepen client relationships through consistent follow-up, industry insight, and solution-oriented support.
• Identify and pursue upselling and cross-selling opportunities across SunIP’s service offerings.
• Ensure a high level of client satisfaction and long-term loyalty through proactive communication and responsiveness.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum of 3 years of direct experience selling patent related services (patent filings, patent annuities, patent translations, etc.).
• Proven ability to build trust with sophisticated, global IP stakeholders in the DACH region.
• Fluency in written and spoken German.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Strong communication, presentation, and consultative selling skills.
• Self-starter with a hunter mentality and a passion for IP innovation.
• Willingness to travel for client meetings, industry events, and conferences.