Company Description

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.

With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. 

Job Description

Our R&D Tires organization constantly drives innovations and leverages existing internal and external knowledge in order to design and develop the best-performing and most sustainable tires on the market in the most efficient way.  

As Head of Intellectual Property (IP) Tires, you will lead the IP Tires organization and be part of the R&D Management team, contributing to shape our Tires IP and R&D strategies to achieve our common goals and objectives. You will report directly to the Head of R&D Tires and functionally to the Head of Law Tires with the following main responsibilities: 

Actively shaping the global Tires IP strategy and related governance in collaboration with internal partners within and beyond the R&D organization and ensuring the effective deployment Guiding and consulting the Tires organization on the IP strategy and processes to ensure our continued competitive advantage. Ensuring the required level of knowledge and qualification within and beyond the IP Tires organizationEnsuring constant exchange and constructive collaboration within and beyond the Tires R&D organization on relevant innovation and IP-related issues, including external authority contacts, M&A and divestiture activities and projects, IP related contracts and IP Licensing & Litigation Actively driving and contributing to organizational development with strong focus on diversity, ownership, transformation, innovation and competitivenessLeading, motivating and developing the team, growing team capabilities and steering active talent developmentDriving change and guiding employees through times of changeOverall budget responsibility for IP-related cost centers

QualificationsAcademic degree either in engineering or natural science with the qualification as patent attorney (Germany, EPO or similar) or in lawExpert knowledge and extensive experience in patent law and related regulations, processes, authorities for all relevant countries  Broad experience in managing IP and related functions in a global technology- and manufacturing-driven environment International experience as well as cross-functional and/or cross-organizational experience is an advantage Advanced negotiation, contracting and consulting skills, as well as ability to drive collaboratively for win-win solutions Strong business- and customer-orientation as well as ability to drive execution Passion for new technologies Fluent in Business English and German 

Applications from severely handicapped people are welcome.

Additional Information

We offer the following benefits:

Out of Tariff salary contract30 day of paid vacation per year Attractive career development opportunities We offer balanced working conditions by doing mobile work, working part-time, flexible working time as well as Sabbatical optionsCross-Border mobile work options up to 40 days per year from other EU countriesCompany Pension planAttractive employee benefits with discountsDiverse offers that support a better “work-family” balance (e.g. company childcare places and free emergency care for your children)Discounted access to the Egym Well-Pass for accessing sport facilities across Germany  A highly diverse environment across our locationA new canteen on site with a variety of lunch options 

If this sounds like a perfect match for you and if you want to become the next supporter of our core values: Trust, for one another, passion to win and freedom to act - we are looking forward to receiving your application.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging are important to us and make our company strong and successful. We offer equal opportunities to everyone - regardless of age, gender, nationality, cultural background, disability, religion, ideology or sexual orientation.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.