Director, Intellectual Property Operations

TheDirector, Intellectual PropertyOperationsis responsible forleadingand continuouslyimprovingVertex's IP Operations function. This rolefocuses ondriving operational excellence through strong projectexecution,projectmanagement, communication, collaboration,andmanaginga teamsupporting patent and trademark administration, docketing, annuities, budgeting,software assessment,developing standard practicesand vendorengagement andmanagement.

The positionalsoserves 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.TheDirector will report directly to theExecutive Director, Intellectual Propertyfor Cell & Gene Therapyand be based in Boston. The positionishybrid (3-days in the office).

Key Responsibilities

IPOperationsStrategy,Projects &Process Management

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

• Demonstratedtrack recordof successfully leading and executing complex projects and strategic initiatives, consistently delivering high-quality results on time and in alignment withdepartmental and enterpriseobjectives.

• Lead cross-functional projects to improve efficiency, streamline workflows,enhance operational effectiveness, as well as the long-termIP 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 Directorand SVP of IPon operational strategy, resourcing, prioritization, and cross-functional tradeoffs.

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

Technology & Data Management

• Developthe IPOperations technology anddatastrategy; includingsystem governance,support IPdata integrity, reporting, technologyassessments andenhancementsand implementing software updates and transition to new software systems.

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

• Set theAI andemerging technology roadmapfor IP Operationstostreamline 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 teamof paralegalsresponsible for IP docketing, annuity management, and portfolio administration.

• EstablishannualIPoperationspriorities,resource allocation, operating rhythms,and accountabilitymechanismstoensure high-quality, on-time execution of critical operational activities.

• Ensure compliance with internal procedures and IP regulatory requirements.

• Championingthe strategic adoption of AI within IP Operations byidentifyinghigh-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 toshape priorities,align resources andachieve departmentalobjectives.

• Communicate project status, operational risks, and recommendations toIPleadership 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 organizationalobjectives.

• Develop, manage, andmonitorthe annual IP budget, providingaccurateforecasting,identifyingcost-saving opportunities, and ensuring expendituresremainaligned with departmental priorities and approved financial targets.

• Leadvendor governance andoutsidecounselbilling 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.

DesiredExperience

• 10+ years of experience inmanaging a team oflegal operationsparalegals, legal operations, intellectual property operations, ora relatedbusiness function.

• Demonstrated success leading teams,settingoperationalstrategy,managing complex cross-functional projects, and driving operational excellence initiatives.

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

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

• Strongfinancial managementexperience, including budgeting, forecasting, vendor management, and monitoringspendagainst annual operating plans. 

• ExperienceleveragingAI and automation tools to improve workflows, data management, reporting, and overall operational efficiency. 

• Prior intellectual property operations experience is preferred; however, candidates withsignificant experienceleading complex operational functions in other disciplines will also be considered. 

• Proven ability to influenceseniorstakeholders, drive change, and develop scalable processes in a fast-paced, global environment.

PreferredSkills

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

• Demonstratedability tooperatewith a high degree of independence, exercisesound judgment and discretion to make informed decisions, solve complex operational challenges, and appropriately escalate matters when necessary.

• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budget planning, forecasting,spendmonitoring, and vendor management. 

• Proficiencyinleveragingtechnology, 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, influenceseniorstakeholders, and drive alignment across functions and organizational levels. 

• Strongpeopleleadership skills, including team development, change management, coaching, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.