Head of Group IP

Innovation is a cornerstone of Electrolux operations and as such, Intellectual Property has an ever-increasing profile within the company and is acknowledged as being of paramount importance to the organization’s continued commercial success. As global VP of IP, you will lead the Group Patent function and report to the Group’s Chief Technology Officer. This is an integral position within the organization, requiring an experienced and talented IP leader with demonstrable track record of leading an IP function within a global multinational. In addition to the technical and digital transformation at Electrolux, we are undergoing significant internal transformation, with strong emphasis on becoming increasingly innovation (and therefore patent) led. Electrolux is anticipating sector developments that parallel those in high-tech growth sectors such as telecoms, automotive and IoT, and we have begun to make strides to capitalise on our position at the forefront of the appliances market.
We are thus seeking an individual not just capable of adapting to anticipated sectoral evolution, but eager to seize this unique opportunity to continue to be a driving force behind our innovation transformation. The incoming VP of IP will thus be a figurehead for internal change management, with key responsibility for driving Electrolux’s evolution from its historic roots, closer to the cutting edge of innovation.
The position – ideally based at the headquarters in Stockholm – has full responsibility for the leadership and management of Electrolux Group Patent function. As VP IP, you will lead a global patents team of approximately 40 people.
You will lead (including handling the forecasting and business planning matters) the Group Patent department through an exciting period of change, with the competitor landscape necessitating additional and increased licensing activities. You will do so in strong collaboration with the Legal department, the latter being responsible for the maintenance of the trademark portfolio, domain names and IP litigation.
You will, together with other relevant internal stakeholders, have a key role in establishing an overall effective organization and structure around IP, after having had an opportunity to shape the company’s IP strategy.


Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities include, inter alia:
• Developing and maintaining a forward-thinking IP strategy, in close collaboration with R&D, Legal and business units amongst others
• Management responsibility for the Group Patent function
• Proactively increasing the value and awareness of innovation related IP within the company
• Active engagement by leading and driving the development of the organization focusing on continuous improvements and drive change throughout the business organization
• Ensure excellent working relationship with the Legal functions in order to drive matters collaboratively
• Further developing the digital tools within the function and together with the internal partners
• Developing the organization and processes for increased Group efficiency & transparency.


THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate is likely to fulfil the following criteria:
• Possess significant experience in relevant areas of Intellectual Property rights, coupled with experience working in an international corporate environment;
• Extensive background (c.10+ years’ experience) within a leadership position;
• Qualification as a European or US Patent Attorney, or suitable qualification with sufficient immersion in the patent field;
• Education to MSc level or beyond in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or a related field;
• Excellent understanding and hands on experience of all aspects of patent management and its components e.g. awareness, generation, administration, reporting, risk management, strategy, enforcement, defence, transaction – experience in a software/digital environment is a strong plus
• Previous leadership experience of organizational change and transformation, showcasing true leadership in Diversity & Inclusion
• Possess excellent leadership and organizational skills with the ability to instil confidence and trust in others and thus enhance and sustain the performance of his/her team;
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate comfortably at all levels within the organization;
• Proven experience of being able to adapt flexibly to new market requirements, develop new approaches and shape processes;
• Possess extensive experience of providing IP advice to board-level and other senior management;
• Possess significant experience in negotiating and drafting patent & technology license agreements;
• Business understanding and a strategic mindset;
• An ability to drive strategy, build effective relationships, and motivate, develop and retain talent;
• Be flexible, adaptable and comfortable working in a multi-cultural, success-orientated company, which possesses excellent standards of ethics and behavior;
• Fluency in English