Position Overview:
The IP Project Manager reports to the Program Manager, as part of Questel’s IP Programs Team, and runs assigned client patent projects for translation and filing on a day-to-day basis. This role is also responsible for successfully organizing, managing, and delivering projects that meet the quality, time, and cost requirements of the clients’ business objectives.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
- Receive and confirm project requests from clients; prepare and send estimates as assigned
- Collaborate with Sales to develop an account cost structure which meets client needs
- Train internal teams on and document client expectations
- Develop a schedule for project completion that accurately allocates the correct resources to the project requirements
- Regularly review the project schedule with the project team and revise as needed
- Monitor the progress of the project and adjust as necessary to successful completion
- Ensure project outputs follow national patent law requirements, including content, formatting, and filing deadlines
- Find ways to meet occasionally tight and non-negotiable deadlines
- Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including the client and appropriate staff on the progress of the project and account
- Perform quality control measures on projects prior to delivery to clients
- Communicate with clients to understand their needs and requirements related to projects and their accounts
- Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality while adhering to client expectations
- Prepare and deliver completed projects to clients, or ensure delivery is made to client designees by those deemed responsible
- Monitor and mediate the flow of information among team members through effective communication methods and techniques
- Participate in and/or lead process improvement initiatives for the benefit of the team and the organization
- Foster teamwork by working cooperatively and effectively with others to resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
- Set priorities, develop a work schedule, and monitor progress toward goals
- Keep abreast of relevant industry and country laws and news, mentor and train others accordingly
- Provide feedback to Program Manager to improve Company proprietary software for accurately tracking the project lifecycle
- Work on special projects and other duties as assigned by management
Qualifications & Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience as a Project Manager. Professional translation experience or other similar language industry experience is also beneficial. In addition, any combination of education, experience and training which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- PMP certification preferred
- Strong leadership skills
- Experience in training and mentoring teams
- Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
- Highly developed interpersonal skills and dynamic presentation skills
- Willingness to occasionally manage and deliver projects during non-standard hours
- Demonstrated skills in project management, negotiations and problem-solving
- Outstanding planning, scheduling, and coordination skills
- Ability to stay on task with minimal supervision and regularly report on progress
- Ability to effectively multi-task in stressful situations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel skills a plus
- Ability to synthesize data for use in reporting and decision-making environments
- Ability to think outside the box to solve problems
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team
- Knowledge of patent filing requirements and timelines a plus
- Highly motivated and willing to take initiative to complete assignments
- Participating in a culture of responsiveness to strengthen relationships and ensure the needs and time of others are met and respected
- Fluent in English
- Fluency in a second language, other than English, a plus