UJInvnt (Pty) Ltd (“UJInvnt”) is the Intellectual Property holding company of the University of Johannesburg (University” or “Shareholder”), the purpose and activity of which will be the acquisition, exploitation, licensing or sublicensing of patents, trademarks, copyrights, brand names or other industrial property rights, like ‘know-how’ on technical or administrative matters. Its primary objectives are: • To commercialise on behalf of the University opportunities arising from the activities of the University and others, including, but not limited to, intellectual property (IP); • To hold shares on behalf of the Shareholder in other companies and act as the holding company for commercial activities.

• Accountable to and appointed by the Board of Directors, the Executive Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of long-term strategies, with the goal of increasing shareholder value.
• The incumbent will be required to implement the strategic business objectives and policies set by the Board of Directors  in accordance with agreed business plans.
• The Executive Manager’s primary responsibilities include making major corporate decisions, managing the overall operations and resources, acting as the main point of communication between the Board of Directors and corporate operations, and being the public face.  

• Refine/revise and implement the company vision and mission.
• Formulate and direct the strategic planning process.
• Submit the annual performance plan and UJInvnt strategy for Board of Directors consideration and approval.
• Implement the strategic direction of the company through translation into specific strategies and operational plans.
• Develop and recommend to the Board of Directors annual business plans as well as 3- year operating and capital budgets, in support of UJInvnt’s long term strategy.
• Manage finances in line with best financial management practices and legislation.
• Continuously improve the performance of the company’s annual targets in portfolio management.
• Deliver on sustainable financial targets of UJInvnt and deliver satisfactory return on the commercialisation of IP to the shareholder.
• Develop and implement effective fund-raising strategies strengthening the UJInvnt financial sustainability.

• Conduct and/or coordinate business and investment due diligence comprising of business analysis, market and competitor analysis, technical analysis, and financial analysis with the ultimate objective of establishing investment risks, negotiating licenses, structuring deals, and planning exits from investments.
• Identify University of Johannesburg (UJ) IP with commercial potential and to develop the commercial argument for investment, and/or licensing.
• Lead the due diligence of license negotiations (including but not limited to upfront payments, earned royalties, and milestone payments) and the process of establishing spin-off companies as applicable to the commercialization opportunity.
• Present opportunities for investment to the board of directors.
• Describe and quantify all business costs and benefits.
• Develop business cases for commercialization opportunities including the provision of commercial and financial input and presentation to stakeholders.
• Prepare financial models, sensitivity analysis, and scenario modeling including interpretation of statistical, financial, and accounting information to assist in the evaluation of strategic options, commercial development, and investment decisions.

• Identify and assess potential or available leads, early-stage technologies and IP from within University of Johannesburg (UJ) and identify and assess complementary technologies.
• Identify, create and assess market opportunities by creating and participating in networks within academia and industry and other suitable channels.
• Work with Technology Transfer Office (TTO) to continuously search, generate, monitor and pursue technology leads and Inform Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and academia of industry needs so as to focus and expedite technology R&D outputs.

• Establish and maintain strategic alliances with various stakeholders.
• Develop relationships and effective partnerships with technology originators, financial institutions, investors intermediaries, academia and industry partners with a view to sourcing, generating, funding and selling technologies.

• Provide input and guidance into pre-commercialization leads, and effectively project manage through the entry and exit life cycle including business plan creation, management team set up, due diligence, investment proposal, funding, deal structuring, deal closing, technology de-risking and exiting of projects. Effectively monitor, manage project outcomes, resources and risks. Coordinate (including due diligence and intermediaries) with relevant UJInvnt stakeholders.
• Manage project financials: forecast vs. actual.
• Identify, assess, prioritise and manage project risks and issues.
• Appoint appropriate external expert to assist with due diligence and business development on a case-by-case basis.

• Lead investment or fundraising from external stakeholders as required for the successful execution of the commercialisation opportunities.

• Develop and provide regular reporting and presentations to monitor performance against objectives and potential risks.
• Establish, maintain and assess processes and tools for effective and consistent tracking of performance against targets.
• Develop commercialisation plans that can attract investment, as well as interpret the results of a techno- economic report
• Position UJInvnt to exploit potential and commercially attractive IP and growth opportunities wherever possible.

• Appoint and manage Project/ Commercial Leads.
• Appoint appropriate external expertise to assist with business development on a case-by-case basis. Build internal team and work with University of Johannesburg ( UJ)  academic staff / Technology Transfer Office (TTO) to assist with projects.

• Enumerate, continuously update, monitor and effectively manage shareholder, UJInvnt and project risks. Own management strategies to continually reduce risk to acceptable levels.
• Report to the Board on Risk Management process and outcomes.

• Establish procedures for sound project governance, in line with national legislation.
• Execute the responsibilities of Executive Manager according to lawful and ethical standards as laid out in the KING IV.
• Act as the main management interface, regarding strategic and operational issues of UJInvnt.
• Implement and maintain the company’s corporate governance framework.

• A relevant Postgraduate qualification, minimum of a Master’s Degree or equivalent training/education coupled with a technical background in SET (Science Engineering or Technology).
• Demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas: strategy; new business development; corporate business development, commercial contracting; early-stage development and start-up companies,
• Demonstrable ability to deliver success in a start-up company (i.e. successful commercialisation of technology).
• Mergers & acquisitions, investment analysis and transactional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP), of which 3 years must be at an Executive level.
• Experience of working with Boards and Board Committees
• Must have strong contacts within Industry and Financial Services.
• Working knowledge of accounting, corporate finance, corporate law and corporate governance principles.
• High level of understanding and experience in the application of Public Finance Management Act, and the King IV Report on Corporate Governance.
• Working knowledge of the and the Intellectual Property from Publicly-Funded Research and Development Act.
• Must have a basic understanding of BBBEE requirements and must have the potential and be willing to develop working expertise applicable to the business interests of UJInvnt.
• Prior experience in, commercial negotiation, due diligence, deal structuring and closing deals.
• Strong project management skills
• Risk management, experienced in identification, assessment and management of risk.
• Proven track record of delivering projects.
• A valid driver’s license.

• An ability to work remotely and across functions in a collaborative manner with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Agile, innovative, and critical problem-solving and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Tolerance to work with incomplete data or with ambiguity.
• Hypothesis and output driven, quantitative and qualitative decision-making ability, solution oriented, a sense for commerciality and practical implementation.
• Ability to develop strategic market knowledge rapidly in areas where technologies will be commercialized.
• Intermediate financial modeling and strategic commercial analysis skills.
• High-level investment appraisal and business case development skills.
• Advanced strategic commercial and problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically, innovatively, and laterally to identify issues and develop recommendations to solve problems.
• High-level interpersonal skills with the ability to influence outcomes in an organisation with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a changing environment.
• Demonstrated capacity to successfully manage broad responsibilities and complex issues at senior organisational levels.
• Pragmatic executive with strong leadership skills; above average emotional intelligence
• Solid written, verbal, listening, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
• Strategic Thinking, Change Management, and team-building skills.
• Discipline/ Field Expertise and Knowledge.
• Stakeholder Management and Networks.
• Problem Solving/Planning and Organising/ Monitoring and Evaluation.
• Fundraising expertise or experience
• Ability to work with a Board and its committees and willingness to be directed by the Board and its committees

•  Degree in Business Management, Commerce or Accounting. A Business Management qualification such as MBA or MBL.