Director, Intellectual Property Operations

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 be considered.

- Proven ability to influence   senior   stakeholders, drive change, and develop scalable processes in a fast-paced, global environment.

Preferred   Skills

- Strong strategic planning, execution, prioritization, and resource management capabilities in a fast-paced environment .

- Demonstrated   ability to   operate   with a high degree of independence, exercis e   sound judgment and discreti on to make informed decisions, solve complex operational challenges, and appropriately escalate matters when necessary.

- Demonstrated financial acumen, including budget planning, forecasting,   spend   monitoring, and vendor management.

- Proficiency   in   leveraging   technology, automation, and AI-enabled solutions to enhance operational efficiency, data management, and decision-making.

- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to technical, legal, and executive audiences.

- Proven ability to build strong partnerships, influence   senior   stakeholders, and drive alignment across functions and organizational levels.

- Strong   people   leadership skills, including team development, change management, coaching, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement .

Pay Range:
$204,400 - $306,600

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations.  From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
1.     Hybrid : work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2.     On-Site : work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

#LI-Hybrid

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]