[Hiring] IP Operations Director @SW Group

Role Description

The IP Operations Director will grow, lead and manage the nascent India based IP research team. This team will be focused on delivering high-quality intellectual property research and analysis services that drive client success and business growth. This role is responsible for overseeing the delivery of advanced IP research solutions – including:

• Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses
• Licensing & commercialization support
• Technology & patent landscapes
• Competitive intelligence

The Director will leverage their deep operational & research expertise to optimize service delivery and enhance the firm’s offerings. Acting as a strategic partner to the client teams, the Operations Director will:

• Foster long-term relationships with the global team and clients
• Identify new business opportunities with their internal client teams
• Contribute to demonstrable revenue growth through exceptional leadership and the delivery of client-focused solutions

AI is at the forefront of this team, and it’s essential that the leader and their team have an AI-first mindset. Experience in using and assisting the internal development of AI/ML tools and emerging technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs), to improve efficiency, consistency & quality are an essential requirement.

This demanding role will allow exposure to a wide variety of global clients, sectors and types of work, which will be highly rewarding to an individual who enjoys working on diverse projects and the dynamic of working as part of a rapidly growing global team. This is a player-manager role & the Director is expected to also be billable on client work, like their entire team.

Qualifications

• 5+ Years of IP Industry Experience
• Extensive background in intellectual property consulting, with over 15 years of expertise in delivering strategic IP solutions across diverse sectors.
• Client-Facing Leadership
• Skilled in managing high-value client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Long-Term Relationship Management
• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain enduring partnerships with internal teams & clients, ensuring sustained engagement and repeat business.
• Business Development & Growth
• Demonstrated success in identifying opportunities, expanding service offerings, and driving revenue growth through strategic business development initiatives.
• Expertise in IP Research & Services
• Deep experience in delivering comprehensive IP research services, including Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses, prior art searches, invalidity searches, claim charting, patent landscapes, competitive intelligence, and portfolio assessments.
• Advanced Knowledge of AI/ML in IP
• Extensive understanding and hands-on experience of AI and machine learning applications for patent analytics and analyses, enabling optimization of service delivery and development of innovative IP solutions.
• Familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Hands-on experience with multiple LLM platforms (e.g., Claude and ChatGPT-based systems), leveraging them for enhanced patent information processing and client deliverables.
• Proven Track Record in Business Building
• History of successfully establishing new service lines, expanding client portfolios, and positioning the organization as a leader in IP consulting.
• Demonstrable Revenue Growth
• Consistent achievement of measurable revenue increases through strategic planning, operational excellence, and client-centric approaches.
• Experience of International working
• Understanding of working as part of a global team and working with international clients. Willingness to travel & work on clients time zones as required.

Requirements

• Provide excellent client service at all times and ensure that the customer experience is a priority across your team and that services provided are in line with the group’s Conduct Risk framework.
• Strive to achieve the Exceptional Advisor competencies and status.
• Manage client relationships.
• Ensure efficient, high quality pro-active and timely execution of advice and services for your clients.
• Ensure your clients’ requirements are serviced by you and members of your team of appropriate seniority, experience and technical ability and with the capacity to do the work to the highest standard.
• Act for your clients in a professional manner that provides a role model for your team and department.
• Globally collaborative and actively working with a partnership mindset with the global S&W and ClearViewIP teams.
• Living & actively promoting a “one team” mindset ensuring global integration & partnering across all teams & internal stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel globally and support global client needs (on the client time zone) as required.

Benefits

• Promote and build ClearViewIP reputation internally and externally.
• Promote cross-selling within ClearViewIP and the wider S&W group.
• Build and cultivate relationships with clients and potential clients of the group.
• Identify and pursue key targets in partnership with the client teams within S&W and ClearViewIP.
• AI first mindset. You and your team will need to deploy AI and RPA extensively.
• Ensure compliance and usage of the AI workbench across your team and support with further developments & deployments.

Company Description

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations.

Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

S&W acquired ClearViewIP in September 2025 to complement the existing advisory services that S&W currently offers its clients including corporate finance, valuations, transaction services and forensic services, along with business tax, audit, consulting and business outsourcing services.

The ClearViewIP team comprises experienced IP professionals, with decades of experience in managing, protecting and commercialising innovation and ensuring best practice IP approaches are deployed to help clients win in the market.