Associate Director, Hub- IP Operations

Welcome to Haleon. We’re a purpose-driven, world-class consumer company putting everyday health in the hands of millions. In just three years since our launch, we’ve grown, evolved and are now entering an exciting new chapter – one filled with bold ambitions and enormous opportunity.

Our trusted portfolio of brands – including Sensodyne®, Panadol®, Advil®, Voltaren®, Theraflu®, Otrivin®, and Centrum® – lead in resilient and growing categories. What sets us apart is our unique blend of deep human understanding and trusted science.

Now it’s time to fully realise the full potential of our business and our people. We do this through our Win as One strategy. It puts our purpose – to deliver better everyday health with humanity – at the heart of everything we do. It unites us, inspires us, and challenges us to be better every day, driven by our agile, performance-focused culture.

About the role

The – IP Operations Incumbent will lead and manage end-to-end intellectual property operations support, including for patents and trademarks for Haleon. The role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across IP portfolio administration, renewals, recordals, docketing, lifecycle management, external counsel coordination, IP systems governance, invoicing, reporting, and data integrity. This role will serve as a strategic and operational leader for global IP function, supporting scalable and compliant management of IP assets across jurisdictions while driving process optimization, operational governance, technology enablement, and service delivery excellence. The individual is expected to bring deep hands-on experience in global IP operations, strong familiarity with IP management platforms such as Anaqua (preferred), and proven capability in leading operational teams within multinational or GCC/shared services environments.

Key Responsibilities Lead and oversee global IP operations activities, including patents and trademarks and related IP assets. Own and manage a team which provides operational support for patent and trademark renewals, annuities, maintenance filings, oppositions, office action coordination, assignments, recordals and other ownership updates, and prosecution support activities. Oversee global IP docketing operations, deadline monitoring, lifecycle management, and maintenance of accurate and audit-ready IP records. Administer and optimize IP management systems (such as Anaqua or equivalent docketing and portfolio management platforms). Ensure high standards of IP data integrity, portfolio accuracy, governance controls, and operational compliance across global IP assets. Coordinate with external counsel, foreign associates, IP agents, and vendors for filings, renewals, oppositions, prosecution coordination, invoicing, and operational follow-through. Manage IP-related invoices, accruals, billing validation, spend tracking, vendor coordination, and support outside counsel management processes. Support trademark and patent portfolio maintenance activities, including status tracking, ownership changes, recordals, and documentation management. Drive process standardization, operational excellence initiatives, automation opportunities, SOP development, and KPI/SLA governance across the IP operations function. Support IP portfolio integrations, migrations, acquisitions, and data harmonization initiatives as required. Partner seamlessly with the IP experts (Trademarks and Patents Lawyers/Attorneys) and paralegals in the Category Legal teams to provide an excellent internal service to them on all aspects of IP Operations support they need. Partner closely with others in Group Legal as needed, including the rest of the Category Legal teams (i.e. non-IP experts) and anti-counterfeiting. Partner closely with colleagues in the wider Haleon structure, including procurement, compliance, finance and technology stakeholders globally. Develop operational dashboards, portfolio metrics, reporting packs, and management insights for leadership visibility and decision-making. Lead and develop high-performing IP operations teams, including resource planning, quality oversight, training, mentoring, and performance management. Identify operational risks, missed deadlines, process gaps, and escalation items, and proactively drive mitigation and resolution. Support implementation and continuous improvement of governance, controls, confidentiality, and records management practices within the IP operations environment.

Why you? Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree required. Degree or specialization in Law, Intellectual Property, Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline preferred. Additional specialization or certification in Intellectual Property Management, Patent Administration, Trademark Administration, Legal Operations, or IP systems/tools would be advantageous. 15 + years of relevant experience in Intellectual Property Operations, IP Administration, IP Legal Operations, or IP Portfolio Management. Strong experience supporting global patent, trademark, portfolios within multinational corporations, GCC/shared services organizations, law firms, or IP services providers. Proven experience managing IP renewals, annuities, docketing, portfolio administration, oppositions, prosecution coordination, and external counsel management. Experience managing operational teams and working with stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions and time zones. Prior experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, FMCG, technology, life sciences, or innovation-driven organizations would be advantageous. Experience supporting IP operational transitions, migrations, process centralization, or system implementations is highly preferred. Familiarity with global IP filing and maintenance processes across major jurisdictions including the US, Europe, APAC, and emerging markets preferred.

Preferred Qualification: Technical Skills Strong expertise in IP docketing and portfolio management systems, preferably Anaqua. Strong understanding of global IP operational processes covering patents, trademarks, and related asset administration. Familiarity with patent renewals, trademark maintenance requirements, annuity management, oppositions, prosecution workflows, assignments, and ownership recordals. Experience with IP invoicing, accrual management, outside counsel billing coordination, and vendor management processes. Strong analytical and reporting capabilities, including experience with operational dashboards, metrics, and data governance. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and operational reporting tools. Exposure to automation, workflow optimization, legal technology, and operational transformation initiatives preferred. Soft Skills Strong operational leadership and people management capabilities. Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills. High attention to detail and strong risk-management orientation. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment. Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to drive operational improvements and influence change across teams. Strong ownership mindset with the ability to operate independently and proactively.         Job Posting End Date     2026-07-30       Equal Opportunities Haleon are committed to mobilising our purpose in a way that represents the diverse consumers and communities who rely on our brands every day. It guides us in creating an inclusive culture, where different backgrounds and views are valued and respected – all in support of understanding and best serving the needs of our consumers and unleashing the full potential of our people. It’s important to us that Haleon is a place where all our employees feel they truly belong.

During the application process, we may ask you to share some personal information, which is entirely voluntary. This information ensures we meet certain regulatory and reporting obligations and supports the development, refinement, and execution of our inclusion and belonging programmes that are open to all Haleon employees. 

The personal information you provide will be kept confidential, used only for legitimate business purposes, and will never be used in making any employment decisions, including hiring decisions.       Adjustment or Accommodations Request If you require a reasonable adjustment or accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at Haleon at any stage of the application process, please let your recruiter know by providing them with a description of specific adjustments you are requesting. We’ll provide all reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process and treat all information you provide us in confidence.        Note to candidates The Haleon recruitment team will contact you using a Haleon email account (@haleon.com). If you are not sure whether the email you received is from Haleon, please get in touch.