Director, IP Operations
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 we’re 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 Operations will 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 company’s 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 management—from invention disclosure through prosecution, and maintenance—within a highly regulated and fast-paced environment.
What you'll 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
Bachelor’s 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
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