Director, Intellectual Property, Advisory

NGen's Mission

NGen is the industry-led, not-for-profit organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing and dedicated to building next generation manufacturing capabilities nationally. NGen’s goal is to strengthen the Canadian economy and create high-value jobs for Canadians while contributing solutions addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges in health care, energy and resource management, and environmental sustainability.

As a part of the federal government’s Global Innovation Cluster initiative, NGen administers various technological innovation funding programs. These programs provide guidance and financial support to consortia of companies to develop and commercialize technologically innovative products and services and intellectual property furthering NGen’s goals. The programs are unique in that NGen accompanies the consortia from the very beginning to the very end of their projects, monitoring their status, and providing help, guidance and financial support along the way.

Reporting to the Vice President, Intellectual Property & Contracts, the Director, Intellectual Property, Advisory carries out NGen’s role and activities with respect to the intellectual property (IP) aspects of NGen-funded projects, their consortia and project alumni. This position is fully remote and can be located anywhere within Canada.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Understand the technical and commercial aspects of NGen-funded projects.
• Support project applicants with IP strategy development, including: identifying and managing background and project-developed IP; creating IP ownership, sharing, and licensing agreements; developing plans to mitigate third-party IP risks and secure necessary licenses, and; addressing IP considerations in commercialization plans.
• Ensure technical and project documents meet federal funding program requirements.
• Oversee project IP plans, ensuring that detailed asset registers and risk management align with public funding standards.
• Monitor project IP compliance, address issues, and provide consortia with IP advice and education.
• Liaise with IP lawyers/agents and assist in resolving IP disputes.
• Participate in Technology Assessment Panels and organize IP workshops and presentations.
• Contribute to government reporting and other IP team functions as needed.  

Experience, Education, Credentials, Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent) required; Professional Engineer designation preferred.
• Patent Agent license (any class) in good standing with the College of Patent and Trademark Agents required.
• Strong knowledge of IP in technology development and commercialization.
• At least 10 years of experience in industry executing IP strategies, including: collaborating with technical teams and executives, and; advising on IP value, risks, and commercialization plans.
• Experience working in/with manufacturing and R&D organizations preferred.
• Understanding of Canada’s Innovation Ecosystem and IP’s role in economic growth is a strong asset.
• Strong technical aptitude and curiosity with the ability to quickly grasp new technologies.
• Exceptional relationship management, networking, and influencing skills.
• Proven analytical and strategic thinking abilities with sound business judgment.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear articulation of conclusions.
• English (Native/Bilingual). French (Full professional proficiency) an asset.
• Strong project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Comfortable with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and working in cross-functional or remote teams.