Sr. Director, Global Intellectual Property and Commercial Strategic Partnering Counsel

The Opportunity:

The Senior Director, Global Intellectual Property and Commercial Strategic Partnering will report to and work closely with the Vice President, Commercial Legal, and the wider global commercial, R&D, and legal teams to oversee and shape Avantor’s intellectual property strategies and commercial partnering initiatives worldwide.

This role is accountable for developing and executing tactical and operational plans based on Avantor’s long-term objectives.

Remote position

What we're looking for

• Education:  Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. 

• Experience: 10+ years of significant experience counseling and advising senior management, executive leadership and business leaders on Intellectual Property issues, commercial strategy, and enterprise-wide initiatives within a global organization.

• Proven track record of excellence in in structuring and negotiating complex commercial agreements, reflecting a strong record of success and accomplishment, preferably within a global company. 

• A highly collaborative team player capable of developing and maintaining strong, trusted relationships throughout the organization. 

• Intellectual curiosity about changing business priorities and circumstances, legal climate, and commercial dynamic around the globe, and how these impact Avantor and the broader life sciences and chemicals industry.   

• Impeccable integrity and ethical behavior with a strong commitment to transparency. An excellent listener with high sensitivity to different cultures and backgrounds, sound judgment and a strong moral compass. 

How you will thrive and create an impact

• Develop and execute tactical and operational plans for the company’s global intellectual property strategy and commercial partnering that align with company priorities.

• Structure, review and negotiate complex commercial transactions.

• Collaborate with R&D and commercial stakeholders to proactively identify patentable innovations and assist with fostering a culture of invention. Lead cross-functional initiatives across R&D, commercial, sales, and legal teams to drive enterprise-wide innovation and strategic partnering.

• Act as a primary advisor to the General Counsel and Executive Leadership Team on innovation, and market expansion strategy.

• Represent Avantor externally on legal policy and industry standards, engaging with regulatory bodies, industry groups, and key external stakeholders to advance Avantor’s interests.

• Manage Avantor’s intellectual property portfolio worldwide, covering patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights. 

• Regularly engage with senior stakeholders, including executive leadership and external partners and influence long-term business outcomes through strategic counseling.

• Provide strategic guidance and counsel on IP-related matters, including risk assessment, competitive analysis,  and portfolio valuation.  

• Conduct due diligence and freedom to operate analyses for new technologies and products. 

• Monitor for unauthorized use of IP, proactively manage infringement cases, and implement strategies to prevent IP misuse. 

• Manage adversarial proceedings, including IP litigation. 

• Foster a culture of innovation and IP awareness across the organization, providing education and training to 

• legal and business colleagues on IP best practices and policies.

• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities and  risks related to intellectual property. 

• Exercise significant decision-making authority in shaping operational plans, standards, and strategic initiatives, with responsibility for advising on major transactions, partnerships, and policy changes.

• Stay up to date with IP and contract law and principles in all