Executive Manager (P5) (UJInvnt (Pty) Ltd) (3-Year Contract) at University of Johannesburg

Job Description:

• The Executive Manager reports operationally to the University’s designated operational manager, being the Executive Director: Research Development and Support or such other person as the University may designate from time to time, and is accountable to the Board of Directors of UJInvnt for the implementation of the Company’s approved strategy and governance obligations. The Executive Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of long-term strategies to increase shareholder value.
• The incumbent will implement the strategic business objectives and policies approved by the Board of Directors, together with all lawful and reasonable operational directives issued by the University through its designated operational manager or director, in accordance with approved business plans, applicable policies and delegations of authority.
• The Executive Manager’s primary responsibilities include making major corporate and commercial decisions, managing overall operations and resources, serving as the primary point of contact between the Board of Directors and corporate operations, and serving as the public face. Further, managing all subsidiaries of the Company.

 Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic and Operational Objectives

• The Executive Manager will provide strategic leadership to UJInvnt and its subsidiaries by refining and implementing the Company's vision, mission, and long-term strategy; translating Board-approved priorities into annual performance plans, business plans and operational deliverables; and implementing lawful and reasonable operational directives issued by the University through its designated operational manager. The role is responsible for translating approved strategic priorities into actionable operational plans, developing annual business plans and three-year operating and capital budgets, and ensuring effective implementation across the organisation.
• The Executive Manager will further oversee the Company's financial management in accordance with sound governance principles and applicable legislation, while driving continuous improvement in organisational performance and portfolio outcomes.

Commercial Analysis and Business Case Development

• The Executive Manager will lead the identification, evaluation and commercial development of intellectual property and innovation opportunities arising from the University. This includes developing commercialisation strategies, business cases and investment proposals; conducting and overseeing commercial, technical, market and financial due diligence; negotiating licensing and commercial transactions; and facilitating the establishment and growth of subsidiaries and/or new legal entities and other commercial ventures. Further, where appropriate, prepare business cases for presentation to stakeholders and the Board of Directors. The role also requires developing financial models, conducting sensitivity analyses, and undertaking scenario planning to support strategic decision-making and commercialisation activities.

Market Opportunity Identification

• The incumbent will proactively identify and assess commercial opportunities arising from emerging technologies, intellectual property, and innovation initiatives within the University. Working closely with the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), researchers, and industry partners, the Executive Manager will evaluate complementary technologies, identify potential markets and commercial partners, monitor industry trends, and facilitate the alignment of research and innovation activities with market needs. The role seeks to strengthen the pipeline of commercially viable technologies and accelerate the translation of research outputs into sustainable ventures.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage UJInvnt’s financial, human and operational resources in a prudent and sustainable manner. Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets, monitor revenue and expenditure, support achievement of approved financial targets and ensure that all expenditure, commitments and transactions comply with applicable delegations of authority.

Portfolio and Project Management

• Oversee the UJInvnt commercialisation portfolio and commercial projects throughout their lifecycle. Develop realistic project plans and monitor performance against approved objectives, manage project resources and risks, coordinate internal and external stakeholders, appoint and manage specialist service providers where required, and ensure the effective delivery of commercialisation initiatives.

Stakeholder Liaison

• The Executive Manager will establish and maintain strong strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including technology originators, researchers, investors, financial institutions, industry partners, government agencies, and commercial intermediaries. Through effective stakeholder engagement, the incumbent will promote collaboration, facilitate access to funding and investment opportunities, strengthen commercialisation pathways, and enhance UJInvnt's visibility and reputation within the innovation and technology transfer ecosystem.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the Technology Transfer Office, researchers, technology originators, investors, industry partners, government agencies and commercial intermediaries. Promote collaboration, facilitate access to funding and markets, and strengthen UJInvnt’s profile within the innovation, technology-transfer and commercialisation ecosystem.

Project Management, Transitions and Transactions

• The role entails end-to-end oversight of commercialisation projects and investment opportunities throughout their lifecycle. The Executive Manager will provide strategic guidance during the pre-commercialisation phase and  oversee activities such as project and business plans development, management team establishment, due diligence, investment proposal development, fundraising, transaction structuring, deal execution, technology de risking, and exit planning. The incumbent will monitor project performance, manage resources and finances,  identify and mitigate risks, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project  delivery. Where necessary, the Executive Manager will appoint and manage specialist external service providers  to support due diligence and business development activities. 

Investment and Fundraising

• The Executive Manager will lead investment attraction and fundraising initiatives to support the growth and sustainability of UJInvnt's commercialisation portfolio. This includes identifying suitable funding opportunities, engaging potential investors and strategic partners, securing investment support, and positioning commercialisation opportunities to attract external funding and maximise value creation.
• Identify appropriate funding and investment opportunities and lead engagement with investors, financial institutions, strategic partners and funding agencies. Position commercialisation opportunities to attract external investment, support sustainable growth and maximise value for UJInvnt and the University.

Governance Structures and Framework

• The incumbent will oversee the management and growth of the UJInvnt portfolio, ensuring effective tracking and reporting of performance against strategic objectives. The role includes developing and implementing appropriate monitoring and reporting systems, assessing portfolio risks and opportunities, interpreting techno-economic assessments, and preparing regular reports and presentations for management and governance structures. The Executive Manager will also develop commercialisation plans that attract investment and position UJInvnt to maximise the value of commercially attractive intellectual property and innovation opportunities.
• The Executive Manager will ensure that UJInvnt operates in accordance with sound corporate governance principles, applicable legislation, and recognised best practice standards. The incumbent will establish and maintain effective governance frameworks and project governance procedures, ensure compliance with the principles of King IV, and serve as the primary management interface on strategic and operational matters relating to UJInvnt. The role requires promoting ethical leadership, accountability, transparency, and sustainable organisational performance to support the company's mandate and the broader objectives of the University of Johannesburg.
• Ensure that UJInvnt operates in accordance with its Memorandum of Incorporation, applicable legislation, University and Company policies, governance frameworks, King IV principles and recognised good practice. Maintain appropriate governance and risk-management systems, disclose material risks, conflicts of interest and compliance breaches, and refer reserved matters to the appropriate governance structure.

Reporting and Accountability

• Report operationally to the University’s designated Operational Manager and remain accountable to the UJInvnt Board for implementing the Company’s approved strategy, policies, business plans and resolutions. Prepare accurate and timeous operational, strategic, financial, commercialisation, risk and performance reports for the University and the Board. Provide weekly operational updates, monthly consolidated reports and quarterly reports to the Board, and respond promptly to requests for information.

Conduct and Performance

• Act in good faith and with appropriate care, skill and diligence. Comply with lawful instructions, applicable performance-management requirements and approved delegations of authority, and promote ethical leadership, transparency, accountability and sustainable organisational performance.

Minimum requirements

• Candidates must possess a relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably a Master's degree, coupled with a strong commercial, business or technology-related background.
• Applicants should demonstrate significant experience in technology commercialisation, innovation management, corporate or business development, investment analysis, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, and commercial negotiations. 
• A minimum of five years' experience in intellectual property commercialisation is required, including at least three years in a senior executive leadership role.
• The successful candidate should have a proven track record in the commercialisation of technology, the establishment of new ventures, business case development, investment evaluation, and fundraising.
• Experience working with Boards and Board Committees, coupled with a sound understanding of corporate governance, financial management, risk management and relevant legislation, is essential.
• Knowledge of the Intellectual Property Rights from the Publicly Financed Research and Development Act, King IV principles, BBBEE frameworks and related regulatory environments will be advantageous.

Competence and Behavioural Attributes:

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional strategic leadership, commercial acumen and entrepreneurial capability.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills, stakeholder engagement expertise and the ability to influence diverse internal and external partners are essential.
• The position requires a results-driven leader with excellent communication and presentation skills, sound judgement, high emotional intelligence and the ability to operate effectively in complex and evolving environments.
• The successful candidate will possess advanced problem-solving capabilities, strong project management experience, and the ability to lead innovation initiatives from concept to commercial impact.