Director, IP Operations
Director, IP Operations
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$ 220500 - 330750
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Director IP Operations
Gaithersburg MD USA
Legal- Intellectual Property
Hybrid Work- on average 3 days a week from office
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.
Office Working Requirements
When we put unexpected teams in the same room we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect work at pace and challenge perceptions. Thats why we work on average a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesnt mean were not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $220500.00 - 330750.00 USD as an annual base salary. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills and experience. In addition our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles)to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles) and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program 401(k) plan; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and health benefits including medical prescription drug dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired employee will be in an at-will position and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay(as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time including for reasons related to individual performance Company or individual department/team performance and market factors.
Equal Opportunities
AstraZeneca 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.
#LI-Hybrid
Date Posted
19-Jun-2025Closing Date
02-Jul-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations please complete the section in the application form.Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
