Job
Description
**Job Description:** As the Head of Search & Licensing at Hourglass Research, you will play a crucial role in leading and scaling the Search & Licensing vertical of the company. Your responsibilities will include providing strategic direction, technical oversight, and business leadership to ensure the overall performance, profitability, and growth of the vertical. You will lead a team of 25 to 30 professionals and work through hierarchical layers to manage performance, drive capability building, and ensure service excellence across the board. Additionally, you will have full ownership of planning, staffing, hiring, and revenue generation for the vertical. **Key Responsibilities:** - **Vertical Leadership & Strategy:** - Own and execute the strategic roadmap for the Search & Licensing business unit. - Align the vertical's offerings with market needs and evolving IP trends. - Set annual goals, budget forecasts, and investment plans for the BU. - **Revenue Generation & P&L Ownership:** - Own P&L of the vertical; ensure revenue targets are met or exceeded. - Develop pricing strategies, resource allocation, and service optimization plans. - Track project pipelines, billing, and receivables in coordination with the Finance Team. - **Service Delivery & Quality Assurance:** - Supervise end-to-end execution of all IP Search and Analytics services. - Implement quality control protocols and ensure delivery timelines are met. - **IP Monetization & Licensing:** - Lead the design and execution of IP Monetization strategies. - Support clients in identifying licensing opportunities and negotiating deals. - **Client Engagement & Satisfaction:** - Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, offering insight-driven IP solutions. - Ensure a high level of client satisfaction and retention through proactive communication. - **Team Leadership & Performance Management:** - Lead a team of analysts, senior searchers, and licensing professionals. - Drive a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and accountability. - **Staffing Strategy & Hiring:** - Plan and forecast manpower needs in alignment with project pipelines and growth targets. - Work with HR to attract, interview, and onboard high-caliber talent. - **Capability Building & Leadership Development:** - Mentor and groom high-potential team members into future leadership roles. - Conduct regular training sessions on search techniques, licensing frameworks, and communication. - **Process Excellence & Technology Adoption:** - Create and maintain SOPs, templates, and checklists to standardize quality and efficiency. - Evaluate and adopt cutting-edge patent databases and AI/analytics tools for better output. - **Business Development & Thought Leadership:** - Support business development efforts in pitching Search & Licensing services. - Represent the firm at industry forums, IP events, and publications to build thought leadership. **Qualifications:** - **Education:** - Bachelors or Master's in engineering/technology in any discipline. - Postgraduate qualification in Intellectual Property (preferred). - **Experience:** - 10 to 15 years of experience in IP services, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role. - Proven track record in managing patent search, analytics, and/or licensing projects. - Global client experience across domains such as Engineering, ICT, Pharma, Life Sciences, etc. **Work Environment:** The work environment at Hourglass Research is dynamic, client-driven, and innovation-focused. Collaboration across IP attorneys, analysts, BD, and tech teams is encouraged. The work arrangement includes an on-site hybrid model with 4 days in the office and 1 day working from home. **Growth Opportunities:** This role offers a pathway to higher strategic positions, providing exposure to international clients, business growth opportunities, and involvement in high-value IP transactions.,
