Licensing Operations Manager (Remote - US only)

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Merck Group is seeking a Licensing Operations Manager (Remote US only) to drive revenue from out-licensing by designing and optimizing tracking systems for milestones, renewals and royalties, while coordinating with licensing, accounting, and customer service teams in a fast paced environment. You will occasionally conduct templated external negotiations and ensure timely, accurate reporting using Excel, ERP systems, DocuSign, Alliant, LEDOX, SAP and Oracle. The ideal candidate holds a life sciences degree with 5+ years in contract or IP operations, or a paralegal background with license experience, plus a proven knack for automation and cross‑functional collaboration. To apply, demonstrate measurable license-management successes, data accuracy, and renewal workflow improvements; confirm US work eligibility and mention relevant certifications and language skills.

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This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US. 

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. 

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!