IP Manager

About the role

We are seeking a motivated IP Manager to protect Bühler's investments in innovation and manage its intellectual property portfolio. You will work closely with R&D, engineering, product management and business units to identify, protect and commercialise new inventions.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, designs and related assets across designated business areas.
• Support innovation teams by collaborating with R&D, engineering and product management to identify protectable inventions.
• Prepare and prosecute patent filings in partnership with external patent attorneys and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct IP analyses such as freedom‑to‑operate assessments, patent searches, competitor monitoring and risk evaluations.
• Provide IP guidance on strategy, confidentiality, licensing, enforcement and best practices to internal teams.

Required profile

• University degree in mechanical engineering, food sciences or a related field.
• At least partly qualified as a European Patent Attorney.
• Several years of professional experience as a patent attorney, trainee or in an industrial IP department.
• Excellent communication skills in English and good command of German.
• Ability to work in cross‑functional, matrix environments and explain IP topics to non‑specialists.
• Structured, detail‑oriented and proactive mindset with business‑focused risk assessment.

Required skills

• Patent filing and prosecution.
• Freedom‑to‑operate assessment.
• Patent searching and IP analysis.

What we offer

• Daily fitness menu from 9:00 CHF.
• Attractive mobility concept with public‑transport credit and parking options.
• Employer‑funded pension plan.
• 25–30 days of vacation per year depending on age.
• Preventive health care services (lab analyses, massages, nutritional advice, physiotherapy, group courses, company doctor).
• Special conditions for mobile‑phone subscriptions.