Associate Director, Patent Operations

Job Description Summary:

The Associate Director, Patent Operations serves as a strategic and operational leader within the Patent Practice Area, responsible for driving excellence, innovation, and efficiency across all facets of patent operations. This role partners closely with practice leadership and attorneys/agents, and to ensure the patent operational infrastructure, resources, and processes are aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives. The Associate Director will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-office/cross-practice initiatives, and advance long-term plans that enhance quality, consistency, profitability, and client service delivery.
This position can be based in any of our U.S. office locations and offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing you to work both from home and at your designated Fenwick office. The frequency of in-office work will be determined by business needs and guided by your department's directives.

Job Description:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Partner with the IP Director and firm leadership to define and execute the operational strategy for the Patent Practice Group.
• Develop and implement multi-year operational roadmaps, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with firm priorities.
• Evaluate and optimize resource allocation, staffing models, and process workflows to drive sustainable performance.

Operational Excellence

• Lead the design and implementation of innovative operational frameworks and technology solutions to streamline workflows, specifically Patricia workflow designs and workflows with 3rd party solutions.
• Manage and share performance metrics to measure operational success and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with firm policies, client guidelines, and applicable patent rules and regulations.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce operational policies, procedures, and best practices across all patent teams.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide executive oversight and leadership to the patent docketing department, the international filing department, the legal support analysts, and related operational teams.
• Mentor and develop managers and teams lead to strengthen leadership capabilities.
• Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and client service excellence.
• Lead change management initiatives to support new technologies, processes, and organizational structures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with firm departments such as Finance, IT, HR, and Risk Management to ensure cohesive operational integration.
• Collaborate with partners and practice leaders to anticipate client and business needs, ensuring operational readiness and agility.
• Collaborate with the trademark practice leadership to ensure consistency in resources and management within IP.

Technology & Vendor Management

• Oversee the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of patent operations software and technology platforms, including closely collaborating with the patent practice support lawyer.
• Manage relationships and contracts with third-party vendors and service providers, ensuring value and alignment with firm standards.

Performance & Reporting

• Develop and deliver executive-level reports and presentations highlighting performance trends, operational insights, and strategic recommendations.
• Monitor KPIs, operational data, and productivity metrics to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.

Thought Leadership

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving patent law regulations to proactively assess impact and opportunities.
• Represent the firm in industry groups and forums related to IP operations and management best practices.

Travel Requirement

• Travel to all firm offices on a quarterly basis is required to ensure consistent operational oversight, leadership presence, and cross-office/cross-practice alignment.

 

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution processes, docketing systems, and patent operations infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience in building and scaling operational systems for large patent prosecution teams.
• Expertise in IP docketing and data management platforms, with proficiency in EFS, PAIR, EPAS, WIPO, and PTO Financial Manager.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with experience interpreting and leveraging operational data to drive decisions.
• Ability to lead through change, inspire high performance, and foster a collaborative, high-trust culture.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate business needs and develop long-term solutions.
• Commitment to client service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and patent management software platforms.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and organizational skills.
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information.

Reporting to the IP and Regulatory Practice Group Director, the ideal candidate will have a minimum of (10) years of experience in patent operations and at least (5) years in a leadership/management capacity. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or project management certification (e.g., MBA, PMP, Lean Six Sigma) preferred.

Benefits and Compensation Details:

At Fenwick, we believe that our partners and employees are our most important asset. Helping you and your families achieve and maintain good health - physical, emotional, and financial - is the reason we offer a comprehensive benefit program. We provide benefits to eligible employees under plans such as Healthcare, Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Wellbeing.

The anticipated range for this position is:

$168,000 - $251,250

Depending on the role, the actual base salary offered may depend upon a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

A discretionary bonus for eligible employees may also be available based on performance.  Additional information about employee eligibility for benefits and discretionary bonus will be made available upon request.