A fantastic opening has arisen for an experienced Formalities Manager to join this leading IP firm and manage the highly successful Records & Formalities Team on an extended 16 month fixed term contract.
This is an opportunity to join a well-established European IP firm known for supporting some of the world's most innovative organisations.
The opportunity
You'll oversee a team of Patent Records & Formalities professionals, ensuring the smooth delivery of patent administration services across UK, European and international matters.
This is a hands-on leadership role, combining people management with operational oversight. You'll support your team in delivering high-quality work, help improve processes and systems, and work closely with attorneys and colleagues across the business to maintain an efficient and responsive service.
What you'll be doing
- Leading, motivating and developing a high-performing patents team.
- Managing workloads and resources to ensure deadlines are met.
- Providing guidance on UK, EP and PCT patent formalities.
- Supporting performance management, coaching and training.
- Reviewing and improving processes, workflows and team procedures.
- Working with internal stakeholders to enhance systems and ways of working.
- Monitoring changes to patent practice and helping implement procedural updates.
- Maintaining documentation, reporting and operational standards.
About you
You'll have solid experience within Patent Records & Formalities and previous experience managing or supervising a team.
We're particularly interested in someone who has:
- Strong knowledge of UK, European and PCT patent procedures.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
- A collaborative leadership style.
- High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Confidence communicating with colleagues at all levels.
- A proactive approach to improving processes and identifying efficiencies.
Experience with Inprotech, EPO Online Filing, and a CIPA Administration Certificate would be advantageous.
If you're looking for your next leadership opportunity within patent administration, we'd love to hear from you.