Senior Manager, Patent Operations

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our firm’s Core Values - Raise the Bar Thrive Together, Embrace Differences. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our firm’s core values. We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals. Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

PROFILE

Gowling WLG is seeking a Senior Manager, Patent Operations to join our Intellectual Property team. Reporting to the Director, Intellectual Property Operations, this national leadership role is responsible for overseeing the delivery of patent prosecution support services across the firm's Canadian and international offices.

The successful candidate will be an experienced people leader with extensive knowledge of Canadian and foreign patent prosecution practices. They will play a key role in driving operational excellence, standardizing processes, supporting strategic initiatives, and leading a high-performing team dedicated to exceptional client service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the patent prosecution support team, ensuring the effective delivery of patent prosecution support services across the firm.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a national team of patent prosecution support staff fostering a high-performing and client-focused culture.
• Drive consistency and operational excellence by establishing and enhancing patent prosecution processes, workflows, and best practices.
• Partner with Intellectual Property professionals and business leaders to ensure exceptional client service and efficient support of patent matters.
• Lead workforce planning initiatives, including recruitment, performance management, and employee development.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and team effectiveness through continuous process improvement.
• Manage key operational and administrative functions, including oversight of Intellectual Property deposit accounts and related compliance requirements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and external organizations, including CIPO, USPTO, and WIPO.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree or college diploma in a related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of Intellectual Property support experience with a focus on patent prosecution.
• Minimum 8 years of leadership experience managing and developing teams.
• Thorough knowledge of Canadian and foreign patent prosecution practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Detail oriented with strong time and project management skills.
• Ability to lead an effective, results-oriented team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; Inprotech experience is an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) would be considered an asset.

Benefits/Perks

Gowling WLG’s total rewards program is designed to foster a culture where high performance and personal well-being go hand-in-hand. We support your career and life with:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
• 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment)
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more

The target base compensation for this role is $150,000 – 170,000. Starting salary will be determined based on an applicant’s individual skills, competencies and unique qualifications. Gowling WLG employees have the potential to exceed this range based on tenure and performance.

This position is currently vacant and is open to both internal and external candidates. Gowling WLG is recruiting for this role to support ongoing firm needs and team operations.

This employer may use tools within our applicant tracking system that include artificial intelligence–supported features, such as automated candidate matching. These tools do not make hiring decisions; all screening, assessments, and selections are reviewed and completed by human recruiters and hiring managers.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are in need of accommodation or support at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.