Patent Counsel - Food (m/f/d)

Job description

Welcome to the Home of Food at Nestlé! Together with 220 experts at our Nestlé Product Technology Centre for Food (NPTC Food), we are responsible for the innovation and renovation of culinary products. Every day, we embody the entrepreneurial mindset and transform science into technologies with the aim of delivering tasty and balanced meals with the highest levels of freshness and convenience. Most important facts at a glance: Location: Singen Department: Legal R&D Working time: full-time Contract: permanent Start: as soon as possible Travel: occasionally to Vevey, maybe US How you’ll contribute and help us grow: IP Strategy & Innovation: You partner with Food R&D teams to transform innovative ideas into protected business value and develop IP strategies that support future growth. Patent Management: You draft, file, and manage patent applications to protect technological advancements and strengthen the IP portfolio. Risk Assessment: Also, you provide practical, risk-based advice through freedom-to-operate analyses, enabling teams to innovate with confidence. IP Protection: Furthermore you support patent oppositions, enforcement activities, and other actions to safeguard intellectual property rights. Market Insights & Collaboration: You monitor technology trends and competitor activities while building strong partnerships across R&D, business, and innovation teams. What will make you a great fit: Patent Expertise: You are a qualified European Patent Attorney (or almost qualified) with solid experience in patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management. Scientific Background: Your advanced degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Process Engineering, or a related field provides a strong technical foundation. Business Mindset: Complex legal matters are translated into clear, practical recommendations that support business objectives. Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication skills help you collaborate effectively with international and cross-functional teams. Drive & Organization: You combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution and successfully manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Language Skills: You are fluent in English; German is considered an advantage. Your benefits Development: With our annual development meetings with your manager, we find out where your professional journey can go. In good hands: To help you settle in quickly and learn everything you need to know right from the start, we'll create an individual onboarding plan for you. 30 days of vacation: Taking breaks and recharging is important. That’s why everyone at Nestlé enjoys more vacation days than required by law. Mentoring Program: In our mentoring program, colleagues support each other during professional changes. Ready for the next steps? Please apply online - don't forget to indicate the earliest possible starting date and attach all relevant documents. Your contact person for this position is Laura Rabe von Pappenheim. Become part of something big Nestlé offers endless possibilities for you. We are a leader in nutrition, health and wellness with our brands that are loved around the world. A real opportunity to positively impact the lives of millions. From breakfast to dinner, from medical nutrition to healthy snacks for four-legged friends, from sustainable farming to eco-friendly packaging. So much is already here, now make it even better. In a team of diverse characters learning with and from each other - be a force for good.