IP Strategy & Intellectual Assets Manager Automotive Business

SKF has been around for more than a century and today we are one of the world’s largest global suppliers of bearings and supporting solutions for rotating equipment. Our products can be found literally everywhere in society. This means that we are an important part of the everyday lives of people and companies around the world.

In September of 2024, SKF announced the separation of its Automotive business, with the objective to build two world-leading businesses. The role you are applying for will be part of the automotive business. This means you will have the opportunity to be a part of shaping a new company aimed at meeting the needs of the transforming global automotive market. 

Would you like to join us in shaping the future of motion?  We are now looking for a…

IP Strategy & Intellectual Assets Manager
Automotive Business

We are seeking an experienced and engaged IP Strategy & IA Manager to join our global IP (Intellectual Property) department during this exciting time of change. In this role, you will collaborate closely with colleagues across our international IP team and various Business Lines.

In today's competitive landscape, a robust IP strategy and effective management of intellectual assets are crucial for maintaining and enhancing a company's market position. Through the protection and strategic use of our intellectual property, we can stimulate innovation, enhance our competitive position, and deliver meaningful value to our company.

We are strengthening the role IP will have on the business and you will play an important role in establishing the foundation for IP strategy and a structured management of the intellectual assets within the Automotive business. You will be instrumental in crafting the direction, thereby contributing significantly to our strategic goals. In this role, you will work with a global scope and across functions to raise awareness of the importance and value of knowledge and technology. Your efforts will help boost SKF’s technology based competitiveness. 

Key Responsibilities

• Intellectual Assets: Lead initiatives to capture and manage intellectual and technology assets, ensuring our innovations are protected.
• Technology Control: Develop and enhance control positions for products and technology to safeguard advancements.
• IP Strategy: Formulate IP strategies that support business needs together with Business Line managers in alignment with corporate vision and goals.
• IP Value: Develop indicators of IA and IP financial value and prototype value metrics to make informed decisions.
• Process & Governance: Create frameworks and policies for effective IA management and provide continuous process improvement.
• Competitive Intelligence: Monitor industry trends to identify opportunities and support strategic business and R&D decisions.
• Stakeholder management: Work closely with cross-functional teams — including R&D, Legal, Business Lines, and Corporate Strategy — to unlock business value from intellectual assets.

We expect you to have

• Background: A technical background with a proficient business orientation.
• Education: A university degree in engineering or equivalent, such as Mechanics, Physics, Electronics, or similar.
• Experience: Several years of working in IP strategy, portfolio management, or intellectual asset management, preferably in a global or multinational company.
• Skills: Education and experience in Intellectual Asset Management or Intellectual Property Strategy.
• Languages: Fluent in English. Knowledge of Swedish, French, or German would be beneficial.

SKF is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we firmly believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our continued success. Therefore, we only focus on your experience, skills, and potential. Come as you are – just be yourself. #weareSKF  

You will enjoy working here if you

• Exhibit great analytical skills, understanding how details fit into the bigger picture and is linked to business strategy
• Are structured and solution-oriented, with a forward-thinking mindset influencing business outcomes.
• Gain energy from collaboration and communicate clearly with colleagues at all levels.
• Enjoy working in cross-cultural and cross-functional environments, effectively facilitating discussions that incorporate different perspectives for smarter decisions.

Some additional information
This position will be located Gothenburg, Sweden. 

You will report Mitja Schonecke, Director of Global IP Automotive, based in Germany. For questions regarding the role, please connect with Mitja via email Mitja.Schonecke@skf.com. 

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Josefin Nelson, Recruitment Expert EMEA, via email Josefin.nelson@skf.com. 

Is this you?
If the answer is yes, submit your application with your CV and Cover letter in English no later than May 5, 2025. Please note that we can't accept applications via email. 
We will screen candidates continuously throughout the application period, so make sure to submit your application as soon as possible.

At SKF, we are committed to promoting fairness and inclusivity throughout our recruitment process. To achieve this, we may include assessments and verify the information in your application in compliance with country-specific laws and regulations. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the recruiter.