The Company
Volvo Cars, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a premium vehicle manufacturer with nearly a century of experience in shaping transport and infrastructure solutions.
“We are strongest as a team. We value differences and all aspects of diversity to innovate and create the best solutions. We are committed to making the world a safer place through inventive thinking and collaborative action” -Volvo Cars
The Opportunity
Volvo Cars is seeking a Global Head of IP to lead all IP matters across the organisation. Reporting to the General Counsel & SVP, this role will manage a highly talented team of nineteen IP professionals based in Sweden and China and serve as a key member of the company’s Legal management team.
The Global Head of IP will take full accountability for the company’s IP portfolio, including:
- Developing and maintaining the IP strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Negotiating and drafting complex IP agreements with external parties.
- Managing IP litigation on a global scale.
- Creating and maintaining a strategic portfolio of IP assets.
- Selecting and supervising external counsel while managing budgets effectively.
- Partnering across the business – including design, engineering, and marketing teams – to embed IP into strategic decision-making.
- Driving IP awareness and education throughout the organisation.
- Leading complex IP-related projects to create value and monetise IP.
- Supporting the Volvo Cars Tech Fund in evaluating potential investment opportunities.
This role demands a strategic and decisive leader with the courage to make high-impact decisions, the creativity to solve complex challenges, and the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing IP team.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a trusted advisor and business partner on all IP matters globally. Required qualifications and experience include:
Knowledge & Experience
- Qualification as a European or US Patent Attorney, or legal qualification combined with a strong technical background.
- MSc or higher in science or engineering.
- 10+ years of relevant IP experience, covering patent, trademark, design, and copyright matters in a global business environment.
- Proven senior management experience, with a track record of leading teams in a multinational organization.
- Fluency in English, with the ability to communicate complex IP matters clearly and strategically.
Capabilities
- Strategic thinking and creativity to develop effective solutions in a fast-moving environment.
- Ability to collaborate across teams, lead projects, and inspire a high-performing IP function.
- Courage to make decisions in uncertainty and take full accountability for results.
- Highest levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
**Relocation Required**
This position will be based at Volvo Cars’ headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden.
