Licensing Operations Manager (Remote - US only)

Merck Group$120K — $181K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences with 5+ years of operational or contract management experience in life sciences.
  • Experience in lab management or technology transfer can substitute.
  • Paralegal background with 5+ years in license or legal operations is acceptable.
  • IP/License Management certification or Contract Management certification preferred.
  • Multilingual abilities are a plus; English, German, and Chinese are beneficial.

Responsibilities

  • Own and optimize systems for managing out-licensing agreements.
  • Utilize various software tools to track milestones and obligations.
  • Evaluate and implement optimal processes for licensing oversight.
  • Manage licensing inbox and provide notifications for required licenses.
  • Execute customer orders upon license completion.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO) for employees.
  • Retirement contributions to support future savings.
  • Potential for performance-based bonuses.
Full Job Description
Your Role:

You will play a key role in driving revenue, improving operational efficiency, and maximizing the value of the company's intellectual property portfolio. You will design, optimize, and manage revenue generation and tracking systems for out-license agreements and department initiatives, including extracting and tracking agreement milestones, royalties, renewals, and expirations.

As needed, you will interact with internal and external partners in licensing, customer service, accounting, and invoicing teams to ensure accuracy and timeliness of information and to enable revenue generation and reporting. While this is primarily an internal role, you will occasionally conduct simple external negotiations (templatized renewals, extensions, terminations) with oversight to ensure agreement accuracy.

This role operates in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of activity; strong prioritization, flexibility, and exceptional organizational and multitasking skills are essential. Accuracy is a must. You will frequently work with Excel, Alliant, LEDOX, SharePoint, DocuSign, SAP, and Oracle to accomplish your projects.

You will be a trusted resource on the team for information about out-licensing agreement-related processes. This role requires the ability to build and sustain productive relationships across a global ecosystem of internal and external partners.

Responsibilities:

Systems
  • Own and optimize existing systems to manage out-licensing agreements.
  • Use Excel, various ERP systems, AdobeSign, Alliant, and LEDOX to organize legal documents and extract trackable events (milestones, renewal dates, royalty obligations) for monitoring.
  • Evaluate available tracking systems and processes to develop and implement an optimal tracking process for out-licensing programs.
  • Monitor and triage licensing email inbox, providing "license required" notifications as appropriate
  • Release of Customer Orders for Shipment, upon license execution


Agreements
  • Review newly-signed license agreements to extract trackable information, partnering with negotiators to understand terms as needed.
  • Outreach to licensees with upcoming payment or reporting obligations, automating when possible.
  • Outreach to licensees with expiring agreements to offer and negotiate renewals.


Internal coordination
  • Triage license-related issues to proper departments (invoice team, tax, customer service, distributors, etc.).
  • Build and maintain relationships with external licensees and internal partners to ensure continuing revenue flow.


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a Life Science discipline, with 5+ years of experience in operational, lab management, or technology transfer within life sciences. This is not a negotiation role.

Or
  • Bachelor's Degree in a Life Science discipline with customer service experience for a life science company, including 5+ years' experience in contract management

Or
  • Associate's degree in a Life Science discipline, with 8+ years of experience in operational, lab management, or technology transfer within life sciences.

Or
  • Paralegal background; AND 5+ years' experience in license or legal operations or at an intellectual property-focused legal office,


Preferred Qualifications:
  • IP/License Management certification, Contract Management Certification,
  • Experience in automating licensee communications and renewal workflows
  • Familiarity with AI is beneficial
  • Process optimization mindset: evaluating and implementing improved tracking and reporting workflows.
  • Adaptable to ambiguity and evolving requirements.
  • Multilingual: English, German, and Chinese.


Pay Range for this position: $120,900- $181,300

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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