Mission
The IP Manager establishes, maintains, and executes a company-wide Intellectual Property strategy focused on Freedom to Operate (FTO), protection of R&D-generated inventions including patent protection, and long‑term innovation support.
IP Strategy & Governance
- Lead implementation of the integrated IP roadmap.
- Translate external counsel insights into internal guidance.
- Maintain structured FTO processes across species and technologies.
- Prepare the substantive aspects of legal proceedings in cases of intellectual property infringement.
IP Operations & Process Management
- Manage the Invention pipeline.
- Coordinate internal patent review cycles.
- Maintain internal IP portfolio database.
- Contribute to the drafting, filing, and further prosecution of patent applications, including opposition proceedings.
External Counsel Management
- Serve as primary interface with external contacts.
- Coordinate search requests and filing strategies.
Risk & Compliance
- Lead FTO assessments for gene-editing, MAS, SNP work.
- Provide mitigation strategies including design-arounds or licensing.
- Develop internal confidentiality and disclosure policies.
- Advise HG R&D on the protection of intellectual property rights for products and processes, particularly in the form of patents. Being able to spot opportunities but also spot weakness/possible IP issues
- Provide infringement and validity opinions to HG and/or third parties.
IP Culture & Training
- Deliver IP training at R&D Days and via e-learning.
- Coach scientists on invention identification and patentability.
- Promote proactive IP creation mindset.
Profil
Education:
- Master’s or PhD in Genetics, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
- (become a) Qualified NL and/or EP patent attorney.
Knowledge:
Solid knowledge of molecular biology and genetics.
Experience:
- 5+ years experience in IP management within R&D-driven companies.
- Experience with patent attorneys and managing patent pipelines.
Languages:
Fluency in English
About Us
Hendrix Genetics is a multi-species animal breeding, genetics and technology company that is passionate about animal breeding and our customers. We have breeding programs in laying hens, turkeys, traditional poultry, swine, salmon, shrimp and trout. We are a customer focused business that believes in adding value in every interaction. We look for innovative, sustainable solutions, together with the entire animal protein value chain. At the start of the chain, we have an influence on the outcome. For us, better breeding today, means a brighter life tomorrow. As a Hendrix Genetics employee, you will join us on mission to feed the world. Your values are ideas and beliefs that shape you and guide your choices in life. A company can also have its own set of values, called company values. Hendrix Genetics’ company values are there to help you feel empowered in your role and give you a sense of connection to our place in the world. We strive for excellence, ensure everyone wins and go the extra mile every day. We believe that diverse teams brings a wealth of perspectives, ideas and experiences to the table. Diversity at our company means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.
What We Can Offer You
Our people are of utmost importance to us. You will work in an environment based on respect, trust and recognition. You will have the opportunity to shape your own career by working locally or internationally with colleagues from around the globe. We believe in your personal development and provide on the job training, continuing education, industry programs and challenging work. We also offer competitive compensation and benefit packages with regular reviews of total compensation. We also ensure that all employees have the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future. Hendrix Genetics has recognized for a long time that there is far more than just efficiency to consider in producing food. What we do today has an impact on the future. Not just our own future, but that of generations to come.
Apply Today
If you are interested in taking on a new challenge and joining our organization, submit your CV directly to this page. We look forward to exploring this opportunity with you!