You may be our new
Head of IP Management
At SIG, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, intellectual property is a key enabler of innovation and competitiveness. The IP Management department within Global R&D is responsible for protecting and strategically managing SIG’s patents, trademarks, designs, and trade secrets across all product platforms—carton packaging, bag-in-box, and spouted pouches.
This role ensures the structured and strategic management of intellectual property for all packaging systems within Global R&D at SIG. Leading the Global R&D IP Management department, the position is responsible for drafting and maintaining all IP-related documentation and processes. It secures the company’s ability to protect and leverage its technological advancements globally. The role also includes oversight of trademark management, the global SIG IP fee model, and coordination of all IP-related topics across the organization. Furthermore, the position contributes to the review and negotiation of global development and commercial contracts with focus on IP clauses, supports the legal structuring of partnerships within the Discover department, and carries full responsibility for the China IP team.
Key job functions and success-relevant tasks
• Leadership and Resource Management: Full personnel responsibility for the global IP department, including China, and planning of internal and external resources.
• Budget Responsibility: Ownership of cost center planning and budget control for all IP-related activities.
• IP Strategy Development: Definition and implementation of the IP strategy for all SIG system platforms (Aseptic Carton, Bag-in-Box, Spouted Pouch, Chilled Carton).
• External Partner Management: Steering of external legal partners (attorneys, IP offices) and contributes to the review and negotiation of global development and commercial contracts with focus on IP clauses (e.g. licenses, NDAs, JDAs, M&A)
• Digital Transformation: Introduction of digital tools and processes to increase efficiency and optimize resource and budget allocation in IP management.
• IP Enforcement and Representation: Advising on IP disputes and litigation; representing SIG before patent authorities.
• Employee Invention Management: Ongoing development and administration of SIG’s employee invention regulation and incentive systems.
• Stakeholder and Network Building: Maintaining strong internal stakeholder relationships and external networks with industry partners and competitors
• Cross-Functional and Global Collaboration: Interface management across all SIG regions and functions to ensure integrated IP processes.
• Innovation and Competitive Intelligence: Monitoring competitors and emerging technologies; improving internal processes for idea and invention handling to ensure speed, transparency, and effectiveness.
You bring these skills, experience & education
• Technical university, science or engineering degree (minimum Master level)
• Additional education as European patent attorney
• 6-10 years vocational experience
• Filling equipment and related technologies (design, automation)
• Packaging industry (materials science, packaging material and closure)
• Patent search (tools) and formulation of patent documents (including trademarks)
• Patent law expert
• Proved character of leadership and ownership
• Fluent in English both written and spoken
Working with SIG means being a direct contributor to one of the world’s leading system suppliers of carton packaging and filling machines for food and beverages. Sustainability is integral to our business and you will be a valued addition in creating the most sustainable packaging solution on the market. Our people are the foundation of our growth. You will join a team of dreamers and doers, creating innovative products and solutions while collaborating all over the world. A team of individuals as diverse as the markets we work in. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, worldview, physical ability, age, sexual orientation, identity, or any other factors prohibited by law.
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