Manager, IP Operations

Pfizer • New York City, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, IP Operations, serves as the operational lead for core Intellectual Property (IP) department processes, governance, and infrastructure. This individual contributor role reports directly to the Chief IP Counsel and partners closely with senior IP leaders to drive operational effectiveness, standardization, and continuous improvement across the IP function. Operating with a high degree of independence, the role leads department-wide operational initiatives, exercises judgment on matters of moderate complexity, and is accountable for improving the efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness of key IP processes. Strong judgment, discretion, and confidentiality are required in managing sensitive information and supporting leadership priorities.

Requirements

• High School degree and or 9 years’ experience; Associate degree and/or 6 years’ experience; bachelor’s degree and/or 4 years’ experience.
• All experience expected in intellectual property formalities experience gained in a law firm or in-company with a focus supporting pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical companies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
• Strong attention to detail and proven ability to manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing operational priorities and adapt effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with the ability to develop polished materials, track operational data, and support leadership decision-making.
• Demonstrate ability to prudently exercise independent judgment with respect to situations that are very unusual, highly complex, and/or unique situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate with others across the IP department and the legal division.
• Primarily desk work involving the use of standard word processing and organizational computer applications.
• Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer. U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.
• This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience leading or managing operational processes within intellectual property operations, legal operations, or legal department administration.
• Familiarity with patent prosecution processes, trademark management, or other IP-specific procedures.
• Experience partnering with senior legal leaders on operational planning, coordination, and execution of departmental priorities.
• Experience leading departmental engagement initiatives, meeting operations, or cross-functional events that support organizational effectiveness and team connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Own operational planning and coordination for the IP department, including leadership cadence, department communications, headcount tracking, organizational materials, and coordination of key business activities that support effective execution of departmental priorities.
• Lead planning and governance for recurring department meetings, oversee distribution and committee infrastructure, coordinate operational aspects of colleague transitions, and monitor selected business calendars to ensure timely awareness and follow-through on matters relevant to IP leadership and practice-area planning.
• Own the IP signing authority function and related governance processes, including maintenance of Powers of Attorney, administration of signature workflows, and oversight of supporting records and systems.
• Partner cross-functionally with IP, Legal, and Corporate Governance stakeholders to ensure accuracy, compliance, and continuity of operational processes, and identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency and standardization across the department.
• Oversee operational governance for IP vendor, spend, and contract processes, including resolution of vendor and system issues, management of PLA matter numbers, and coordination of critical business payments in support of vendor continuity and contractual obligations.
• Manage departmental dues, subscriptions, and operational contracts through purchase order creation and tracking in Ariba, while exercising independent judgment to prioritize issues, resolve process gaps, and ensure alignment with organizational policies and business requirements.
• Maintaining both internal and external versions of the IP portal, updating the product patent attorney spreadsheet, managing 'Ask an IP' questions, and developing recommendations for design and functionality upgrades.
• Apply skills and disciplinary knowledge of IP operations and departmental priorities to strengthen the effectiveness and accessibility of IP resources.
• Identify and implement opportunities to optimize the use of AI and other digital tools to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of IP resources and operational workflows.
• Serve as the operational lead for key IP Operations activities, including management of team meeting cadence, coordination of leadership materials and promotion support processes, maintenance of core department tracking documents, and oversight of selected operational support activities for the Chief Patent Counsel.
• Operate independently in managing competing priorities, determining appropriate next steps, and resolving operational issues, consulting leadership on only the most unusual or high-impact matters.
• Lead the operational planning framework for IP department meetings, offsites, and engagement activities, including agenda governance, logistics strategy, and execution across locations.
• Partner with IP and Legal Division leadership to support colleague engagement and culture-building initiatives that strengthen connectivity, communication, and organizational effectiveness across the function.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager