Director, IP Operations
Director, IP Operations
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Not Disclosed
Salary Not Disclosed
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Director IP Operations
Canada
Legal- Intellectual Property
Hybrid Work- on average 3 days a week from our Mississauga ON office
At AstraZeneca we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing ambitious thinking and innovation ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams functions and even the globe. As we grow our vibrant hub in Mississauga we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds with as wide a range of perspectives as possible. We welcome applications from candidates across Canada who are open to starting a new adventure.
Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind providing space where teams can come together to strategize brainstorm and connect on key projects.
Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people the planet and our business are interconnected which is why were taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.
Summary of the role
The Director of Patent Operationswill oversee and optimize our global patent operations. This leadership role is critical to ensuring the integrity efficiency and scalability of our IP operations in support of the companys robust R&D pipeline and commercial portfolio. You will work cross-functionally with IP attorneys scientists business units and external partners to support the full lifecycle of patent asset managementfrom invention disclosure through prosecution and maintenancewithin a highly regulated and fast-paced environment.
What youll do
Operational Leadership:
Lead the global patent operations function overseeing docketing filings annuities and administrative processes across all therapeutic areas and geographies.
Develop implement and continuously improve operational workflows that support high-volume high-value patent portfolios with regulatory and commercial significance.
Strategic Portfolio Support:
Partner with in-house counsel and R&D leadership to ensure seamless patent process integration with drug development timelines including alignment with regulatory filings (e.g. IND NDA BLA).
Maintain robust systems for invention disclosure intake and tracking with an emphasis on timely evaluation and filing decisions.
Team and Vendor Management:
Manage and mentor a team of patent operations professionals paralegals and coordinators; foster a high-performance collaborative culture.
Oversee relationships with external IP service providers (e.g. foreign associates annuity services patent law firms) to ensure quality efficiency and compliance with company standards.
Systems and Data Integrity:
Lead the administration optimization and compliance of IP management systems (e.g. Anaqua IPfolio Foundation IP) ensuring accurate timely data for strategic decision-making.
Partner with IT and Legal Ops to drive system upgrades integrations and automation efforts.
Governance and Compliance:
Develop and enforce SOPs and best practices for global patent operations ensuring alignment with internal controls and applicable laws (USPTO EPO JPO etc.).
Support audits due diligence and licensing activities through timely and accurate portfolio data.
Financial and Risk Management:
Work with IP leadership team to forecast and manage global patent budgets including prosecution maintenance translation and annuity fees; identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and compliance.
Support IP risk management and litigation readiness by ensuring accurate recordkeeping and process documentation.
Essential for the role
Bachelors degree
7 years of experience in patent operations including at least 5 years in a leadership role within the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
Deep understanding of global pharmaceutical patent lifecycle management including Hatch-Waxman SPCs and patent term extensions.
Expertise in U.S. and international patent prosecution annuity management and regulatory alignment.
Proven success managing large IP portfolios cross-functional teams and complex vendor relationships.
Strong command of IP management systems (e.g. Anaqua IPfolio) and data analytics tools.
Exceptional organizational leadership and communication skills
Desirable for the role
Experience supporting R&D-driven IP strategy in regulated environments (FDA EMA).
Familiarity with IP aspects of M&A licensing and collaboration agreements.
Project management certification (e.g. PMP) and/or Lean Six Sigma experience a plus.
Strong understanding of data privacy and compliance in an IP context.
Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:
Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind providing space where teams can come together to strategize brainstorm and connect on key projects.
Are you interested in working at AZ Apply today!
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects
#LI-Hybrid
Date Posted
17-Jun-2025Closing Date
30-Jun-2025AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds with as wide a range of perspectives as possible and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment) as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
