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IP & Documentation Manager

  • Op locatie
    • Aalst, Vlaams Gewest, België
  • R&D

Functieomschrijving

About Tereos

With a long-term vision of adding value to agricultural raw materials and developing quality products for the food, health and renewable energy sectors, Tereos is one of the market leaders in sugar, alcohol and starch. The Group's societal and environmental commitments contribute to the company's long-term performance while strengthening its contribution as a responsible player. A cooperative group, Tereos brings together 11,000 cooperative members and has recognized know-how in the processing of beet, cane, cereals, alfalfa and potatoes. Thanks to its 41 industrial sites, a presence in 15 countries and the commitment of its 15,000 employees, Tereos supports its customers as close as possible to their markets with a wide and complementary range of products. In 2023/24, Tereos achieved a turnover of 7.1 billion euros.


Contract : CDI

Location : The position is based in Aalst (Belgium) or at the Tereos Europe Campus in Moussy (France)

Team : Innovation, Process and New Product Development

Reporting to : Head of Research & Innovation


About the position

At Tereos, we are set on an ambitious path to cultivate a sustainable growth. Our agricultural and industrial activities are under transformation to deliver on our decarbonization ambitions and to bring sustainable solutions for our customers. Innovation is a key pilar to deliver Tereos’ Strategy for a Sustainable Future.

As Intellectual Property (IP) and Documentation Manager you will be an integral part of our Innovation organization, contributing to the success of various projects by ensuring optimal IP. The role involves strategic planning, coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring the protection and optimization of the company’s intellectual assets.


Your missions :

  • Intellectual Property Management
    • Your key responsibilities
    • Develop and implement strategies for patent filing and management.
    • Conduct patentability assessments and freedom-to-operate analyses.
    • Manage the patent portfolio, including filing, prosecution, and maintenance.
    • Provide strategic recommendations on intellectual property matters.
    • Lead the patent committee and coordinate with external patent attorneys.
  • Documentation Management
    • Supervise the scientific and patent documentalist
    • Oversee the documentation process for R&D and innovation projects.
    • Ensure proper documentation of inventions and innovations.
    • Maintain and update the intellectual property database.
    • Coordinate with R&D teams to gather and format technical information.
  • Advisory & Support
    • Advise R&D and business teams on intellectual property protection options.
    • Draft patent applications and other protective measures with the support of the inventors.

    • Provide training and support to staff on intellectual property matters.

    • Support the in- and out-licensing of IP rights.

  • Compliance and Risk Management

    • Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and regulations.

    • Monitor and report on intellectual property trends and developments to provide competitive intelligence to business stakeholders.
    • Manage intellectual property disputes and litigation.


Reasons to join us :
Joining Tereos means giving yourself the opportunity to develop within a cooperative group that is a leader in its markets. It is also the opportunity to undertake in a collaborative and meaningful environment in order to meet the challenges of tomorrow in terms of food, energy and health through the valorisation of plant raw materials. We ensure personal and collective development through our initiatives to promote quality of life at work and personal and professional life balance. Convinced of the richness of diversity, an essential component of our growth, we are committed to parity and the development of an inclusive corporate culture where everyone can bring their authenticity and particularities to work.


We offer

You will find yourself in a very interesting working environment and receive numerous opportunities for advancement. Tereos offers excellent training and fringe benefits. In addition to a competitive salary, a 13th month and holiday pay, you will receive a 14th month and a plant performance bonus (CAO90). We also have good hospitalization insurance, bicycle leasing and an excellent pension scheme. And, of course, not forgetting great colleagues and no traffic jams to work.




Vereisten

Your area of Expertise :

  • Intellectual Property Law:
    • In-depth knowledge of patent laws, regulations and procedures
    • Experience in patent filing, prosecution, and portfolio management.
    • Understanding of intellectual property risk management and dispute resolution
  • Technical Knowledge:
    • Strong background in a relevant scientific or technical field (chemistry, food science, biotechnology)
    • Ability to understand and evaluate technical inventions.
  • Strategic Planning:
    • Ability to develop and implement intellectual property strategies
    • Experience in providing strategic recommendations to senior management


Your profile :

  • You have a higher education degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant scientific or technical field (e.g., chemistry, food science, biotechnology), an additional degree in intellectual property law and management is mandatory.
  • You bring minimum 10 years of professional experience in intellectual property management, preferably within the agro-food or related industry, or in private practice.
  • You have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • You have experience working in a collaborative team-oriented environment and is at ease to interact and collaborate with all functional levels and functions.
  • A good understanding of the business environment and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs is essential. The ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects requiring high attention to detail and intense deadlines will contribute to success in the role.
  • You are passionate about innovation and IP and make them play together.
  • Proficiency in English and French is required for this function.


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