IP makes life better – it touches everything that makes life more enjoyable, easier, safer and prosperous. It underpins the government’s ambition to make the UK the most innovative country in the world. We have a long and illustrious heritage as an innovation nation, with contributions to the advancement of industry, the arts and sciences, and look forward to a dynamic, prosperous future. As the custodians of the UK’s IP system, the IPO’s work gives confidence to inventors and creators, supports innovation, and promotes the diffusion of ideas. Our team of 1,200 talented staff makes a vital contribution both to the UK’s economic wellbeing and standing on the world stage.

Earlier in the autumn we were proud to announce that our Director of Registered Rights, Steve Rowan, has been appointed Vice-President of the European Patent Office Directorate-General Patent Granting Process. We are now looking to identify a credible successor – the Director of Operations and Deputy to our CEO, Tim Moss CBE – who will help steer the organisation through an exciting period of transformation. Responsible for the leadership of our Rights Granting Division, the successful candidate will be the operational lead on the digital transformation of our registered rights and tribunal services, for both customers and staff. They will build and drive a ‘one directorate’ structure and culture, promoting process excellence and modelling and cascading a mindset and behaviours that put the customer at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for a talented senior leader with a track record projecting clear strategic vision across large operational delivery teams. You have driven and delivered sustainable, digitally enabled change to complex environments, and embedded cultures of continuous improvement. A sophisticated, authentic communicator, you have the intellectual firepower to be credible with highly-qualified technical experts, and the capacity to influence senior external stakeholders, representing your organisation on national and international platforms. Previous experience working in an IP environment would be helpful but is not essential, but you will definitely have the capacity to master complex subject matter quickly.

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on Monday 3rd December 2018
*some flexibility for more for an exceptional candidate

To find out more and to apply, please click on the link below, or for a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Michael Dobson on 020 7426 3968, or Jemima Dalgliesh on 07393 013 066.

This recruitment is regulated by the Civil Service Commission.