- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Director
- Department
- Legal & Compliance
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Nov 6, 2026
About Swatch Group
Swatch Group stands as one of the world’s foremost watchmaking groups, uniting Swiss industrial excellence with a portfolio of distinguished maisons spanning accessible design, prestige horology, and high complication craft. As an employer, the Group offers a uniquely integrated environment, from research, manufacturing, and movement development to brand management, retail, and global operations. Rooted in Biel/Bienne and present worldwide, it values technical mastery, creative curiosity, and long-term commitment. Employees contribute to a culture where heritage, innovation, precision, and entrepreneurial energy converge, supporting iconic brands while shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking on an international stage.
I·C·B Ingénieurs Conseils en Brevets SA, a Swatch Group-affiliated company, is seeking a Managing Director, Patent Services for its Neuchâtel office at 100% workload. The role leads the patent department, its strategy and budget, while overseeing patent services, innovation protection, team development and compliance across the Group.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the patent department as an autonomous service organization.
- Define and implement the department’s strategic vision in alignment with Group innovation objectives.
- Manage the department’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and cost efficiency within a self-financed model.
- Develop internal costing structures, billing practices and performance indicators.
- Optimize resource allocation and workload planning across patent attorneys and support staff.
- Drive continuous improvement of processes, tools and service quality.
- Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and promote the value of intellectual property services within the Group.
- Instruct, monitor and benchmark external providers and competitors to ensure competitive positioning.
- Mentor, develop and recruit team members to ensure long-term expertise and performance.
- Ensure compliance with legal, ethical and professional standards.
- Provide patent-related intellectual property services to all Group companies.
- Protect innovations developed across Group companies.
- Draft, file and prosecute patent applications in countries around the world.
- Handle oppositions and infringement-risk and validity assessments.
- Manage licence agreements and patent enforcement.
- Report to the Extend Management Board member.
Qualifications
- Strong expertise in patent strategy, portfolio management, innovation protection and intellectual property risk assessment in an international environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, driving organizational performance and managing change initiatives.
- Excellent strategic thinking, business acumen and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executive-level decision-making.
- Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building capabilities across diverse cultural and business environments.
- Qualified European Patent Attorney before the European Patent Office (EPO).
- University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Microtechnology or a related technical discipline.
- Fluent in French, German and English.
Skills
Experience
Minimum of 15 years of proven experience in intellectual property, patent management or a closely related field, including leadership responsibilities.
Education
University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Microtechnology or a related technical discipline.
Workplace
The role is situated in Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Explore jobs in Neuchâtel or in Switzerland.
Culture
Swatch Group offers a dynamic, multicultural workplace rooted in Swiss precision, creativity, and a deep passion for watchmaking. As an employer, it brings together craftsmanship, industrial expertise, and brand diversity, giving teams the opportunity to contribute to both iconic heritage maisons and forward-looking innovation.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.