Global IP Manager GITEC

Seniority Level :

Dream big. Craft your legacy. Own your future.

At AB InBev, we believe that nothing should stand between exceptionally talented people and a meaningful, fast-paced career. We're not here to do things as they’ve always been done — we’re here to reshape the future of beer and beverages. That’s why we hire people with ambition, courage, and grit — and we give them room to grow.

Join us as Global IP Manager R&D and play a central role in protecting the innovation that drives our future.

Purpose :

As the Global IP Manager, you will lead the global patent and design strategy within our R&D organization. Based in GITEC, Belgium, you will be responsible for guiding complex technical developments with broad, global impact to achieve the best possible IP position for the company. This includes all R&D focus areas and requires strong self-coordination, a broad technical foundation, and sound IP / legal understanding.

You’ll manage the centralized patent and design portfolio, drive IP strategy, lead the IP Committee, support stakeholder alignment, maintain budget efficiency, and ensure consistent global governance, disclosure, and monetization of our intellectual property.

The role :

IP Strategy & Management

Manage AB InBev’s global patent and design portfolio across all R&D domains.

Define and execute patent strategies including IP status checks, freedom-to-operate analysis, competitor intelligence, and value creation.

Guide technical developments of high complexity and scope to secure strong IP positions.

Monitor patent budget in line with negotiated prices and seek cost efficiencies.

Lead monthly IP Committee meetings with cross-regional stakeholders.

Governance, Licensing & Commercialization

Establish and maintain a global IP governance model.

Collaborate across Legal, Finance, Tax, Procurement, and Supply for alignment and unified strategy.

Maintain and promote the Inventor Portal to ensure consistent invention submissions worldwide.

Draft and negotiate licensing agreements, lead licensing discussions, and report KPIs to senior leadership.

Drive monetization of IP, including collaboration with third parties.

Lead monthly PMO reviews with internal stakeholders.

Leadership & Collaboration :

Lead a dedicated team managing patent formalities, IP portfolio updates, database activity, and IT compliance.

Act as both project leader and team member on high-impact initiatives, reporting status monthly to senior management.

Drive delivery of key financial KPIs including 1Y and 3YP R&D revenue targets.

Contribute to strategic innovation projects impacting Market Share, Costs, Volumes, and EBITDA.

Who we’re looking for :

Must-Haves

Master’s or PhD in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related field; brewing education is a plus.

Deep understanding of European and international IP / patent law and patentability criteria.

Proven IP consultancy experience, ideally in a global, innovation-focused business.

Fluent in English (spoken and written); other languages are a plus.

Skilled in IP tools such as Espacenet, Orbit, PatentScope, or Ipendo.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in IP strategy, preferably in science or tech environments.

Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice-to-haves

Experience in equipment or process development in food, beverage, or processing industries.

Licensing negotiation and IP monetization experience.

Multilingual abilities (e.g. Dutch, French, German).

What We Offer

We’re committed to investing in your growth and well-being.

Competitive base salary and performance bonus.

Flexible Benefits (e.g. car, smartphone, bike lease, home internet, pension plan).

Quarterly beer vouchers to enjoy our legendary brands.

40 total vacation days (legal + additional company days).

Meal vouchers, allowances, and gifts per policy.

Unique and enhanced parental leave.

Health & Wellbeing initiatives (mental & physical support).

Access to Learning & Development tools (LinkedIn Learning, mentoring, Workday Learning).

Why Build Your Career with AB InBev

Meaningful Impact : Play a key role in shaping innovation strategy and influencing global business outcomes.

Legacy of Innovation : Join a company known for its commitment to quality, science, and cutting-edge research.

Growth-Driven Culture : We promote from within and support those ready to take the next step—fast.

Global Opportunities : Collaborate across markets and geographies with some of the best minds in the industry.

Ready to shape the future of beverage innovation with us?

We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you’re motivated, curious, and ready to lead in a global environment, apply today and let’s build what’s next—together.