Head of Records

The Company is seeking a Head of Records to lead its records and formalities function. The role oversees patent, trade mark, and design records throughout their lifecycle, including case opening, docketing, transfers, ownership changes, renewals, and closure. Responsibilities include coaching and developing the team, managing workloads and service standards, and strengthening quality controls, audits, and procedures. The successful candidate will also administer and configure the records system, lead data-quality, migration, and automation initiatives, and collaborate with legal and business services colleagues to improve operations. Candidates should have substantial experience in intellectual property records, docketing, or formalities, typically seven or more years, and at least three years of team management experience. Strong knowledge of UK, European, and international patent and trade mark procedures and deadlines is required, along with a relevant paralegal, patent formalities, or equivalent professional qualification. Hands-on experience administering and configuring an IP records system, including maintaining rules and cleaning or migrating data, is essential. Applicants should bring excellent attention to detail, a disciplined approach to risk and controls, advanced Excel skills, and a collaborative leadership style; experience with automation, system implementations, records retention, GDPR, or information security is an advantage.