Global Lead, Legal Brand Protection Support

About the role

Novartis is looking for a Global Lead for Legal Brand Protection Support in Basel, a working manager role combining hands-on operational trademark portfolio management with team leadership. The position leads and develops a high-performing paralegal team and covers legal brand protection operational activities, global trademark procedures and IP systems. It works closely with Legal Brand Protection attorneys, Legal Innovation, Procurement, Finance and Intellectual Property Support colleagues. Relocation support is not offered.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire the Legal Brand Protection paralegal team as a centre of expertise, fostering a collaborative, solution-oriented culture.
• Independently manage operational activities across the portfolio, including deadlines, processes, guidelines and resource requirements.
• Oversee the use and quality control of IP and electronic document management systems, and develop global procedures and guidelines.
• Apply knowledge of worldwide trademark prosecution, maintenance, enforcement and litigation principles to manage operations.
• Manage vendor engagements, budgets and litigation-related costs, including vendor onboarding, invoice management and budgeting.
• Maintain continuity of procedures and deputy coverage, including workload distribution during unplanned absences.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, performance appraisal and development of paralegals.

Required profile

• University degree or relevant legal, commercial or management education and experience.
• Proven experience as a trademark paralegal or equivalent experience in the IP or legal field.
• Fluency in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in an intellectual property context.
• Ability to work independently on reports and supporting documents for attorney review.
• Experience leading and motivating a team, and designing, delivering and coordinating training and coaching.
• Desirable: a trademark paralegal qualification, law or IP-related degree, or relevant professional certification; proficiency in another language.

Required skills

• Trademark prosecution and patent prosecution
• Intellectual property and brand protection
• Microsoft Office

What we offer

• Base salary range of CHF 93,800 to CHF 174,200, with a possible performance-based bonus.
• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options where possible, and at least 14 weeks of paid parental leave.