Director, Patents– Pharmaceuticals (Chemistry)

Typical Accountabilities: • Independently draft and prosecute a major IP portfolio (either patents, or trademarks and other non-patent IP, as appropriate) relating to an assigned client area. • • Provide IP advice to the assigned clients reflecting R&D objectives, and identify and address IP opportunities and risks. • • Establish and implement IP strategies for the assigned area • • Communicate effectively with R&D clients on IP matters • • Participate in R&D governance bodies including briefing senior R&D leaders on specific IP strategies • • Educate R&D and other AZ functions on IP issues • • Lead global IP teams on AZ IP operational or strategic IP issues • • Work independently on IP diligence and other activities in support of SPBD opportunities • • Manage outside service providers effectively • • Mentor others in IP and promote sharing of experience and knowhow • • In Patents, act as an attorney of record for US or EP prosecution Typical People Management Responsibility (direct / indirect reports): • Approximate number of people managed in total (all levels) - 0 What is the global remit? (how many countries will the role operate in?): • 2 or 3 countries at a minimum of 40% of time Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience: • Essential: Full relevant legal qualification; Strategic thinking in IP/TM; Extensive experience managing IP/TM in multiple markets and jurisdictions; Good scientific knowledge of core field; Team management experience; Strong written and spoken communication skills in English; Ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly; Experience managing external service providers • Desirable: Firsthand experience of IP related litigation; Pharma experience Key Relationship to reach solutions: • Internal (to AZ or team): Other Colleagues in the Intellectual property and legal affairs function; Colleagues in R&D, Global Commercial and Marketing client businesses; Members of Business, Product or Market leadership teams • External (to AZ): External service providers; Legal experts in the IP field; Legal officials, and counsel for counter-parties in IP related law suits

Compensation Pay Range:

220,500.00 - 330,750.00 USD Annual

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position is outlined above. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Date Posted

06-Jan-2026

Closing Date

15-Jan-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.