Innovation Programme Lead - IP & Patent Strategy

The Change Innovation Services Ltd; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Change IP is seeking an experienced technical leader to manage real-world innovation projects and actively develop and write patents. You will work directly with inventors, engineers and technical teams to extract inventions and draft strong patent applications, while coordinating with external experts and patent attorneys.

The role combines technical leadership with hands-on patent work and project management across diverse industries, ensuring a clear IP strategy and successful client

Qualifications

• Background in research and development with a track record in technical programme management.
• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams across engineering, science and external contractors.
• Strong understanding of patentability, novelty and inventive step.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical IP and R&D projects from initial investigation through delivery.
• Identify potentially patentable innovation within real products, processes and technologies.
• Work directly with inventors, engineers and technical teams to extract and develop inventions.
• Draft and develop patent applications and supporting technical documentation.
• Structure invention disclosures and technical evidence.
• Carry out or coordinate technical and prior-art investigation.
• Translate complex engineering and scientific concepts into clear patentable propositions.
• Manage project plans, milestones, budgets, risks and client expectations.
• Identify where specialist expertise is required.
• Brief and manage external engineers, academics, scientists and other technical contractors.
• Coordinate with patent attorneys or legal specialists where appropriate.
• Integrate specialist input into one clear technical and IP strategy.
• Present findings and recommendations clearly to clients.
• Maintain ownership of the overall project outcome.
• You should have background in R&D, technical programme management and manufacturing or industrial tech.

Skills

Technical IP management

R&D project management

Patent drafting

Technical writing

Stakeholder management

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Problem solving

Job description

The Change IP is seeking an experienced technical leader to manage real-world innovation projects and actively develop and write patents. You will work directly with inventors, engineers and technical teams to extract inventions and draft strong patent applications, while coordinating with external experts and patent attorneys.

The role combines technical leadership with hands-on patent work and project management across diverse industries, ensuring a clear IP strategy and successful client