Global Head IP Strategy & Portfolio

Do you enjoy building networks and collaborative relationships?
Do you cultivate innovation and understand the importance of intellectual property?
Do you want to help create sustainable transport solutions at the convergence of vehicle connectivity, automation and electrification?
Are you a strategic thinker?
Are you a team leader?
Are you comfortable advising senior management on intellectual property strategy?


Volvo Group is on an inspiring fast-paced journey, with major technological advancements within vehicle automation, electromobility, and connectivity. At the same time, technology areas such as combustion engines and mechanics must also continue to develop to meet the challenges ahead.
To be able to ensure continuous high investments in R&D the Volvo Group’s profitability and turnover need to be secured. This results in higher Intellectual Property intensity on the market, convergence between industries and many new challenges ahead.
We are searching for a Global Head IP Strategy & Portfolio to join Volvo Group Intellectual Property, working principally with technology and solutions relating to electromobility, Volvo Buses and Volvo Penta.


Volvo Group Intellectual Property – who are we?
We are responsible for managing IP for the entire Volvo Group which includes Group Trucks Technology, Buses, Penta and Construction Equipment. As such we drive the cost-effective creation and use of IP to support profitability, competitiveness and growth across products, supply chain and R&D.
We develop and govern the Group IP Plan and IP principles, considering the business priorities of the entire Group, thereby providing guidance to all internal stakeholders on how to realize business value from IP.
We are a diverse group with a great mix of gender, age, nationality and experiences. Whilst the core of the team is located in Gothenburg we work globally with team members situated at different sites around the globe.


About the role
As a Global Head of IP Strategy & Portfolio you are business accountable for the development, management and use of an area of the Volvo Group IP portfolio. You are also a key force in driving the global transformation towards increasingly business-driven IP management.
Together with other Global Heads, each responsible for their own area of the IP Portfolio, IP Portfolio Partners, IP Strategy Partners and IP Intelligence Analysts you form the IP Strategy and Portfolio team.
Each portfolio provides focus and has accountability for the IP of a particular area of Volvo Group’s technology and business, such as Engine, Alternative Fuels, Driveline, Automation, Connectivity, Electromobility, Cab, Chassis, Penta, Bus and Construction Equipment.
Your work tasks range between IP Plan creation, engaging with specific technology streams, supporting inventors and anchoring IP targets with business partners. You interact with stakeholders throughout the Volvo Group including executive management and have the opportunity to influence technology, purchasing and business decisions.
You ensure that IP targets in your IP portfolio are achieved. To succeed in this role you lead a cross-functional portfolio team that includes members such as IP Intelligence analyst, IP Portfolio Partner, Patent Attorneys and IP Legal. You track performance versus targets via Key Performance Indicators.
You support continuous improvement of processes, methods and tools for executing on IP strategies.
You support IP training in the Business Domain.
The position promises a unique mix of challenges, pushing you to create and maintain relations with colleagues across continents, functions and Group companies.
You will report to the Group Director IP Strategy & Portfolio.


Who are you?
You are an excellent communicator who enjoys building networks and collaborative relationships. You can think strategically, and translate it into tasks, activities and priorities. You are a leader who provides your team with clear direction and empowerment. You are interested in innovation, technology, intellectual property, the global competitive landscape and business transformation. You are comfortable working with IP management, processes and strategy.


Qualifications
M.Sc. in engineering or in Intellectual Capital Management
Experience of leading cross-functional teams and driving change
Experience in driving business value based on technology and/or IP
Experience from building relationships across global business functions and from developing technology and/or IP plans based on business priorities
Experience of interacting with senior management
Strong technical and/or business strategic competence in one or more of the areas of electric propulsion systems, buses and industrial/marine engines
Working knowledge and preferably experience in handling IP matters involving patents, trademarks, designs and trade secrets
Fluent in English

Working at Volvo Group you will have the chance to be a part of a global organization constantly striving towards improvement and to work with skilled and dedicated colleagues.


Does the description above match you? If so we'd like to hear from you!


Contact
Michael Hatrick, Group Director IP Strategy and Portfolio, +46 31 3221761