Senior Manager (P6) (Division for Research Development & Support: Technology Transfer Office)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job description
“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
Job Description:
Reporting to the Director: Technology Transfer Office, the Senior Manager is responsible for taking a lead role in the provision of specialist, high-level financial and commercial analysis and insights to support strategic, regulatory, business development, innovation, and other investment opportunities of the TTO.
The Senior Manager is responsible for the provision of comprehensive strategic advice and recommendations to the Director: Technology Transfer Office relating to emerging innovations, corporate development, and corporate planning opportunities primarily in the commercial technology sector.
Planning, executing, and evaluating projects according to predetermined timelines and budgets.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the overall end-to-end management of the Technology Transfer Office business to meet Council objectives.
- Continuously improve the performance of the TTO in portfolio management
- Deliver on sustainable financial targets towards the performance of the TTO, and deliver satisfactory return on the commercialization of IP.
- Assess the requirements associated with the IP portfolio of the University, project, and determine the best project strategy with due regard for complexity, effectiveness, efficiency, cost, and risk factor.
- Conduct full business due diligence comprising 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.
- Responsible for the development of business cases for new business opportunities, including the provision of commercial and financial input and presentation to stakeholders.
- Responsible for the preparation of financial models, sensitivity analysis, and scenario modelling, including interpretation of statistical, financial, and accounting information to assist in the evaluation of strategic options, commercial development, and investment decisions.
Minimum requirements
- A relevant Postgraduate qualification, minimum of a Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9), coupled with a technical background in SET (Science, Engineering or Technology).
- Degree in Business Management, Commerce, or Accounting. A Business Management qualification, such as an MBA or MBL, will be an added advantage.
- A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in managing a portfolio of technology development projects.
- A minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years’ experience in the commercialization of Intellectual Property (IP).
- Demonstrable ability in due diligence and deal structuring.
- Strong project management skills and risk analysis.
- The ability to interpret market reports and develop market penetration strategies.
- Appropriate knowledge of IP matters.
- Risk management: experienced in the identification, assessment, and management of project risks.
- Capable of training, supervising, and managing staff in a project management environment.
- Proven track record of delivering projects within defined timelines under high pressure.
- Project budgeting and reporting experience.
Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:
- Good presentation and facilitation skills.
- Ability to build internal and external networks on all levels.
- Understanding of macro structures within an academic institution.
- Understanding of research management principles and procedures.
- Ability to communicate issues relating to technology transfer at all levels.
- Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
- Critical thinking skills.
- Sound judgement and sound decision-making skills.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced financial modelling and strategic commercial analysis skills, including high proficiency.
- 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.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including developing presentations and report writing, providing advice, direction, and support to Senior Management.
- 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.
- Professional skills in computer operations, business systems, and tools, including Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent written, verbal, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation related to Intellectual Property (IPP).
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
