Patent Support Manager

Patent Support Manager – Leeds

A leading international IP firm is seeking a highly experienced European Regional Patent Support Manager to oversee and drive the patent client administration function across its European offices. This senior role is key to ensuring the delivery of consistent, efficient and high-quality client service across the firm's continental operations.

With over 200 IP professionals across 24 offices in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Austria, the firm is recognised for its integrated IP offering and commitment to operational excellence, staff development and inclusive culture.

The Role:
You will lead and develop patent support teams across multiple jurisdictions, working closely with key internal stakeholders to align processes, improve workflows and deliver an exceptional experience to both internal and external clients. This is a strategic position requiring strong leadership, stakeholder management and a deep understanding of patent formalities and client service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and develop the patent support teams across European offices
• Promote a high-performance culture aligned with the firm’s values of People, Excellence, Teamwork and Progressiveness
• Oversee talent development and succession planning to retain high-performing colleagues
• Build strong relationships with Group Heads, Office Heads and support functions to continuously improve client and attorney experience
• Implement and document standardised patent support processes, leveraging technology and best practices
• Collaborate with stakeholders in Finance, IT, Learning & Development and Operations to optimise efficiency and service quality

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a patent support or IP operations environment
• Strong understanding of patent formalities, processes and client service delivery
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Highly organised with the ability to lead across multiple offices and jurisdictions
• Proficiency in English is essential; working knowledge of French, Dutch, or German is advantageous

Benefits include:

• 27 days’ holiday
• Bonus scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Award-winning enhanced parental leave policy
• Dedicated Learning & Development team and digital learning platform
• Clear, merit-based career progression framework
• Strong focus on DEI, supported by employee-led initiatives and leadership sponsorship

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