Director, Intellectual Property Operations

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 204,000 - 307,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Annual equity awards

Commuting subsidy

Educational assistance

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks a Director of Intellectual Property Operations in Boston, leading a team to optimize IP docketing, annuities, and portfolio administration. The role partners with attorneys, Finance, and external counsel to deliver compliant, data-driven processes across the IP function.

The position combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, focusing on budgeting, technology strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to scale a global IP portfolio in a hybrid work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve IP Operations through project execution and portfolio management.
• Manage IP docketing, annuity management, and portfolio administration with a team of paralegals.
• Develop and manage IP budget, vendor governance, and financial forecasting.
• Drive AI adoption and technology modernization within IP Operations.
• Partner with IP attorneys, Finance, Technologists, and outside counsel to align priorities and ensure compliant, data-driven decisions.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Director, Intellectual Property Operations

Director, Intellectual Property Operations is responsible for leading and continuously improving 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 is hybrid (3-days in the office).

Key Responsibilities

IP Operations 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, support 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 operations 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.
• Championing 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 IP 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

• 10+ years of experience in managing a team of legal operations paralegals, legal operations, intellectual property operations, or a related business function.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, setting operational 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, exercise sound judgment and discretion to make informed decisions, solve complex operational challenges, and appropriately escal
• 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.

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 [e-mail].