KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. Nearly 5,000 employees in more than 70 countries generated net sales of around €1.68 billion in the fiscal year 2023/2024. A company with a tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for almost 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflower. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants’ resistance to diseases, pests and abiotic stress. To that end, the company invested more than €300 million last fiscal year in research and development.
We are seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel who acts as a Business Partner (BP IP) (m/w/d) for our Global Legal and IP Team.
This role is pivotal in managing IP matters within our strategic fields of molecular cell technology and genome editing, contributing significantly to the KWS Group's value creation. As a BP IP you will provide high-quality, business-oriented IP advice and act as a proactive and pragmatic partner for KWS business, with a strong understanding of the seed and agriculture industry.
This position is to be filled in full-time and with a permanent contract. You can be based either in our Headquarters in Einbeck or in our KWS Office in Berlin.
IP Leadership: Provide leadership and advice at the interface between IP, R&D, Breeding, and Business, with full responsibility for IP matters and strategies in molecular cell technologies, with the main focus on genome editing.
Strategic Partnering: Act as a sparring partner to R&D and business teams, identifying new business opportunities, developing, and implementing holistic IP strategies with appropriate consideration of the big picture, and fostering value creation in alignment with KWS Group stakeholders on all hierarchy levels.
Patent Management: Prepare or steer the filing and prosecution of patent applications globally and establish freedom to operate (FTO) for all KWS activities.
Collaboration and Negotiation: Secure IP interests in collaboration or license negotiations with competitors, academia, or other industries, and provide IP support for mergers & acquisitions (M&A).
Network Coordination: Expand and coordinate a cost-efficient global network of external IP counsels.
PhD or comparable degree in Life Sciences, (Plant) Biology, Agriculture, or a related field.
Good understanding of the agriculture industry, with a focus on new genomic techniques.
Several years of experience in an IP department of a multinational company or an international patent law firm.
National or European qualification as a patent attorney is a plus.
Excellent customer orientation with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Strong communication skills, capable of translating complex IP information for stakeholders and foster decision-making.
Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Team player with an independent working style and social competence.
Fluency in English is mandatory and proficiency level of German would be appreciated.
An exceptionally interesting and diverse job in an international environment with the opportunity to contribute innovative ideas.
Work in an international, highly motivated, and dynamic team.
Support for professional and personal development, true to our motto “Make yourself grow!”
Flexible Working Hours and possibility of hybrid work.
As a family-run company, we value closeness, reliability, foresight, and independence, creating an open and friendly working atmosphere.
Benefits: Attractive salary including Christmas and holiday bonuses, capital-forming benefits, childcare allowance, job bike, and more.