Intellectual Property Associate Director

Demonstrate strong leadership aligned with Exceptional Leader competencies, working collaboratively with global research and operations teams while managing day-to-day responsibilities for direct reports.

Drive people development by conducting ADRs, mentoring talent, and supporting continuous growth in technical, professional, and leadership capabilities across the team.

Maximise team performance by coaching and developing direct reports in line with talent plans, ensuring alignment with individual potential, skills, and client delivery expectations.

An associate director should be responsible for a client portfolio of a minimum £300,000 per annum.

An associate director would be expected to keep tight control of debtors and demonstrate a commercial approach in connection with outstanding fees.

Extensive background in intellectual property consulting, with expertise in delivering strategic IP solutions across diverse sectors including Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses, prior art searches, invalidity searches, claim charting, patent landscapes, competitive intelligence, and portfolio assessments.

Skilled in managing high-value client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

Build and sustain strong client and internal partnerships while driving repeat business and expanding service offerings through strategic business development.

Leverage advanced expertise in AI, machine learning, and LLM platforms (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT) to enhance patent analytics, optimise service delivery, and develop innovative IP solutions.

Deliver consistent revenue growth by establishing new service lines, expanding client portfolios, and executing client-centric, high-impact strategies.

Understanding of working as part of a global team and working with international clients with willingness to travel & work on clients time zones as required.

Educated to degree level or equivalent.

Excellent English both speaking & written

A relevant qualification (such as qualifications in IP) is desirable, although not essential.

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.