Intellectual Property Operations Manager

Schneider Electric•Nashville, TN

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The IP Operations Manager is a Global Legal Operations organization, responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing IP operations, technology, and data-driven processes across a complex, global environment. This role partners closely with IP leadership, Legal Operations, IT, Finance, and business stakeholders to ensure efficient, scalable, and cost-effective delivery of IP services globally. This position oversees the full IP technology and vendor ecosystem, leads major global initiatives (including system implementations, integrations, and data migrations), and drives operational excellence through process improvement, analytics, automation, and change management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Extensive prior experience in IP operations, legal operations, technology-enabled operations, or related fields.
Deep familiarity with IP processes (patents, trademarks, designs, docketing, foreign filing, annuities).
Experience in delivering complex projects and programs end-to-end in a global corporate environment.
Hands-on experience with IP technology ecosystems (IPMS, analytics, e-billing, integrations, data migrations).
Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting, vendor management, and ROI analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Nice To Haves

Experience in both in-house multinational environments.
Experience with IP system migrations, e-billing system configuration (e.g., Legal Tracker), and global tool rollouts.
Working knowledge of an additional language (French, Mandarin).

Responsibilities

Advance the IP team’s technology stack to improve efficiency, quality, scalability, and business alignment.
Partner with the IP leadership team to develop and support business-aligned, cost-effective delivery of IP services globally, Identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities.
Own and manage the global IP technology portfolio and processes (IPMS, analytics, foreign filing, docketing, knowledge management tools).
Lead major initiatives such as IP system migrations, data clean-up and migration, tool integrations, and patent process definition.
Identify, collect, and analyze operational data related to workload, cost, efficiency, risks, trends, and outcomes.
Translate data insights into actionable recommendations to support strategic and operational decisions.
Lead complex, cross-functional global projects using structured project management methodologies.
Provide clear communication, change management, and stakeholder alignment throughout project lifecycles.
Manage relationships with IP vendors and service providers, including technology vendors, service vendors, and external partners.
Support budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and business case/ROI development for IP initiatives.
Collaborate with Finance on budgeting processes, vendor billing, e-billing configuration, and cost optimization initiatives.
Develop, document and maintain IP policies, standard operating procedures, guidelines, and operational playbooks.
Develop training materials, self-help tools, and on-demand resources to support a global IP team.
Champion adoption of new tools, processes, and standards through effective communication and training.
Serve as a trusted partner to IP attorneys, paralegals, operations professionals, and business stakeholders.
Influence without authority in a highly matrixed, global organization.
Support and coach team members; direct people management experience is a plus.
Champion change management, inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning.