IP & Knowledge Manager

ppbTereos Aalst /b is looking for an bIP Knowledge Manager /b. /ph3About the position /h3pAs bIntellectual Property Knowledge Manager /b, you play a central role in shaping and executing Tereos' IP and knowledge strategy, enabling innovation to translate into sustainable business value. /ppPositioned at the interface between science, business and legal, you ensure the protection, valorisation and strategic use of intellectual assets across the Group. You combine a strong strategic mindset with hands-on execution, directly supporting RD and business teams through patent landscaping, scientific analysis and competitive intelligence. /ppYou act as a trusted partner to innovation teams and senior stakeholders, guiding key decisions through robust IP and knowledge insights, while driving the development of modern knowledge management practices and tools within the organization. /ppYou foster strong cross-functional collaboration, working closely with RD, business, legal, and external partners to ensure alignment and maximize the impact of intellectual property and knowledge across the organization. /ppYou report to the Head of Research Innovation and are based at the Tereos Corporate Technology Center in Aalst (Belgium). /ph3Your

Key responsibilities
/h3ulliDefine and drive the intellectual property strategy in alignment with business and innovation priorities /liliManage and develop the patent portfolio (filing, prosecution, maintenance) /liliConduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses /liliLead the patent governance (e.g. patent committee) and coordinate external patent attorneys /liliIdentify opportunities for IP valorisation (licensing, partnerships, monetisation) /liliDeliver high-impact patent landscaping, literature reviews and competitive intelligence /liliIdentify emerging technologies, trends and disruption signals relevant to strategic domains /liliSupport key RD and investment decisions with robust IP and scientific insights /liliStructure and facilitate access to scientific, technical and IP knowledge across the organization /li /ulh3Knowledge Management tools: /h3ulliLead the development of a structured knowledge management approach supporting innovation /liliEnsure proper documentation and capture of inventions and technical know-how /liliDrive the adoption of advanced tools, including AI-based search and analytics solutions /li /ulh3Advisory Business Support: /h3ulliAdvise RD and business teams on IP protection strategies and risks /liliContribute to drafting patent applications in collaboration with inventors and attorneys /liliSupport in
- and out-licensing activities and external collaborations /liliTrain and raise awareness on IP and knowledge practices across the organization /li /ulh3Compliance Risk Management: /h3ulliEnsure compliance with IP laws and regulation /liliMonitor IP risks, disputes and competitive positioning /li /ulh3Your profile /h3ullibMaster's or PhD /b in a relevant bscientific /b or btechnical /b field (e.g., chemistry, food science, biotechnology), additional qualification in bintellectual property /b is required. /lilibMinimum 10 years of experience /b in bintellectual property management /b, preferably within the agro-food or related industry, or in private practice. /liliStrong expertise in patent strategy, portfolio management and competitive intelligence /liliDemonstrated ability to operate both at strategic level and in hands-on execution /liliStrong business acumen with the ability to translate IP and scientific insights into actionable recommendations /liliProven ability to build trust, influence and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across RD, business, legal and external partners /liliFamiliarity with patent and scientific databases (e.g. Orbit, PatSnap, Espacenet, PubMed, Scopus) and interest in AI-enabled tools /liliExcellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills /liliFluent in English and French /li /ulh3Aanbod /h3h3We offer /h3ulliYou will find yourself in a very interesting working environment and receive numerous opportunities for advancement. /liliTereos offers excellent training and fringe benefits. /liliIn addition to a competitive salary, a 13th month and holiday pay, you will receive a 14th month and a plant performance bonus (CAO90). /liliWe also have good hospitalization insurance, bicycle leasing and an excellent pension scheme. /liliAnd, of course, not forgetting great colleagues and no traffic jams to work. /li /ulh3About Tereos /h3pWith a long-term vision of adding value to agricultural raw materials and developing essential solutions for the food, health and renewable energy sectors, bTereos /b is a leading agri‑industrial cooperative. The Group is a major player in the processing of plant-based raw materials (beet, cane, cereals and alfalfa) and a key supplier of products such as sugar, ethanol, alcohol and starch-based ingredients. /ppA cooperative group, Tereos brings together 10,300 coo