Senior Manager Intellectual Property

CCR is at the forefront of innovation in high-tech heating and cooling solutions. As a global market leader, we are committed to delivering sustainable, state-of-the-art technologies that improve quality of life while protecting our planet.

Our people are the driving force behind our success – fueled by creativity, expertise and passion. Join us on this exciting journey and become part of a team that wants to make an impact. Together, we will shape a future with sustainable temperature solutions for generations to come.

We are currently looking for a Senior Manager Intellectual Property (m/f/d) to protect our most valuable assets – innovation and know-how. In this role, you will help shape the technological future of our products and ensure that CCR remains a leader in sustainable climate solutions.

The position is primarily remote, with regular travel to our offices in Nieuwegein (Utrecht), Cologne and Mainz - so applicants living along the Dutch/German border might fit just perfectly!

• Provide informed counseling on invention protection, IP portfolio management, invention disclosures, freedom-to-operate and white space analysis

• Manage opposition and validity proceedings, monitor competitor products and assess potential infringement of Carrier patents

• Advise Senior Management on potential infringement risks and oversee patent litigation when required

• Support new product development, including infringement and validity analyses, competitive intelligence and IP monitoring

• Monitor third-party patents, provide opinions on validity/infringement, and support annuities decisions for patent and trademark portfolios

• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements (development, technical services, software licenses, NDAs, etc.) and advise on agreements with IP components (supply, sales, service, acquisitions)

• Work with marketing and legal teams and external counsel on trademark management

• Provide clear guidance to senior management, legal and R&D, with active participation in product development meetings and implementation of IP strategies

• Maintain and apply deep expertise in relevant IP laws, track regulatory changes, and ensure compliance across CCR

• Communicate effectively across CCR, manage outside counsel, deliver results on time and within budget, and operate effectively in a global, multicultural IP department

• Learn and implement current IP tools and processes and drive continuous improvement

• Advise on general IP-related business requests

• Fully qualified European Patent Attorney (ideally plus national qualification)

• Technical/engineering degree (mechanical, electrical, computer, physics or similar); engineering experience is a plus

• 5+ years in EP patent law and prosecution in a reputable firm or in-house IP department

• Fluent in English and German (written and oral) 

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently

• Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization and ability to manage senior relationships

• Strong priority-setting skills aligned to department strategy

• Ability to manage adversity and challenging situations

• Global mindset and proven ability to work in a multicultural, multi-functional environment with integrity and respect