Director, Intellectual Property Operations

About this role

Job Description The   Director, Intellectual Property   Operations   is responsible for   leading   and continuous ly   improv ing   Vertex's IP Operations function. This role   focuses on   driving operational excellence through strong project   execution,   project   management, communication, collaboration,   and   managing   a team   supporting patent and trademark administration, docketing, annuities, budgeting,   software assessment,   developing standard practices   and vendor   engagement and   management.  

The position   also   serves as a key partner to IP attorneys, Finance,   Technologists , and external counsel to ensure efficient processes, data integrity, compliance, and successful delivery of strategic initiatives .     The   Director will report directly to the   Executive Director , Intellectual Property   for Cell & Gene Therapy   and be based in Boston. The position   i s   hybrid (3-days in the office).  

Key Responsibilities  

IP   O perations   Strategy,   Projects &   Process Management  

• Define and   maintain   the IP Operations roadmap, translating functional priorities into initiatives, milestones, and measurable outcomes.  

• Demonstrated   track record   of successfully leading and executing complex projects and strategic initiatives, consistently delivering high-quality results on time and in alignment with   departmental and enterprise   objectives .  

• Lead cross-functional projects to improve efficiency, streamline workflows,   enhance operational effectiveness , as well as the long - term   IP Operations strategy  

• Manage project plans, timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.  

• Drive process improvements and change management initiatives.  

• Provide strategic updates, risk assessments, and recommendations to IP leadership and senior Legal stakeholders on portfolio operations, operational priorities, and emerging issues.  

• Act as a principal advisor to the Executive Director   and SVP of IP   on operational strategy, resourcing, prioritization, and cross-functional tradeoffs.  

• Provide regular reports on the status of the patent portfolio   to IP leadership .  

Technology & Data Management  

• Develop   the IP   Operations technology and   data   strategy ; including   system governance,   s upport IP   data integrity, reporting, technology   assessments and   enhancements   and implementing software updates and transition to new software systems .  

• Lead the   governance for IP Operations data, reporting, and technology prioritization to support leadership decision - making and scalable execution.  

• Set the   AI and   emerging technology roadmap   for IP Operations   to   streamline IP operations, automate routine processes, enhance data-driven decision making, and improve the efficiency and scalability of the global IP function.  

Leadership & Execution  

• Lead and develop a team   of paralegals   responsible for IP docketing, annuity management, and portfolio administration.  

• Establish   annual   IP   operat ions   priorities,   resource allocation, operating rhythms,   and    accountability   mechanisms   to   ensure high-quality, on-time execution of critical operational activities.  

• Ensure compliance with internal procedures and IP regulatory requirements.  

• Champion ing   the strategic adoption of AI within IP Operations by   identifying   high-value use cases, implementing practical solutions, and driving measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and service delivery.  

Collaboration & Communication  

• Partner closely with attorneys, Finance,   Technologists , procurement, and external counsel to   shape priorities,   align resources and   achieve departmental   objectives .  

• Communicate project status, operational risks, and recommendations to   I P   leadership and stakeholders.    

• Foster a collaborative,   enterprise -focused culture across the team.  

Portfolio & Financial Operations  

• Drive the planning and execution of portfolio review, budgeting, and vendor governance activities, ensuring financial discipline, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational   objectives .  

• Develop, manage, and   monitor   the annual IP budget, providing   accurate   forecasting,   identifying   cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring expenditures   remain   aligned with departmental priorities and approved financial targets.  

• Lead   vendor governance and   outside   counsel   billing and invoice management activities, including spend monitoring, budget forecasting, financial reporting, and identification of cost optimization opportunities.  

Required Educational Experience  

•   Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience.  

Desired   Experience  

• 1 0 + years of experience in   managing a team of   legal operation s   paralegals , legal operations, intellectual property operations, or   a related   business function .    

•   Demonstrated success leading teams,   setting   opera tion al   strategy,   managing complex cross-functional projects, and driving operational excellence initiatives.    

•   Experience implementing and managing enterprise software, databases, and technology solutions used to   maintain , analyze, and report on large and complex data sets.   

•   Experience advising senior leaders and preparing executive-ready updates, recommendations, and decision materials.  

• Strong   financial management   experience, including budgeting, forecasting, vendor management, and monitoring   spend   against annual operating plans.   

•   Experience   leveraging   AI and automation tools to improve workflows, data management, reporting, and overall operational efficiency.   

•   Prior intellectual property operations experience is preferred; however, candidates with   significant experience   leading complex operational functions in other disciplines will also b

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