General Manager: Technology Development & Innovation at Technology Innovation Agency

Job Advert Summary    

• To lead the development and management of a balanced TRL 3–7 innovation portfolio that delivers market-relevant technologies, maximises return on innovation investments, and supports national priorities. The role ensures effective sourcing, de-risking, funding, and commercialization of technologies through strong governance, strategic partnerships, and efficient lifecycle management, while building internal capability and driving a high-performance innovation culture.
• The Technology Innovation Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.
• The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualifications:

• Postgraduate Degree (NQF Level 8) in Engineering, Information & Communication Technology, Science or Technology-related field, Innovation Management, Commercialisation / Technology Management

Work Experience:

• 10–12 years’ relevant experience in technology development, R&D, innovation funding, or commercialisation.
• At least 10 years in a senior management or executive leadership role, with demonstrated success in portfolio construction, technology scale-up, and leading multidisciplinary technical teams
• Proven experience managing technology portfolios across the innovation lifecycle (TRL 1–9).
• Experience in conducting technical and commercial due diligence.
• Experience over large innovation budgets, external delivery partners, and complex stakeholder ecosystems including universities, science councils, industry, and government.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial oversight.
• Experience managing delivery via partners.

Duties and Responsibilities    
Financial Perspective

• Manage technology development portfolio within approved budgets.
• Ensure optimal allocation of funding across innovation pipeline stages.
• Drive commercialisation and revenue generation from developed technologies.
• Improve return on R&D and innovation investments.
• Leverage external funding and partnerships
• Manage divisional budget (OPEX & CAPEX) in line with PFMA and TIA Act.
• Optimise funding allocation across innovation pipeline (TRL 1–9).
• Increase commercialisation revenue (royalties, equity, repayments).
• Leverage co-funding and third-party investment.

Stakeholder Relationship

• Identify market needs and emerging technology trends.
• Support beneficiaries / innovators from concept to market readiness.
• Build strong partnerships with industry, academia, and entrepreneurs.
• Enhance stakeholder satisfaction and trust.
• Promote inclusive and sustainable innovation
• Manage relationships with innovators, academia, industry, and government.
• Ensure client satisfaction and innovation support effectiveness.
• Promote inclusive innovation and transformation objectives.

Internal Processes

• Oversee structured technology development lifecycle (TRL progression).
• Implement governance and stage-gate processes.
• Reduce time-to-market.
• Monitor project risks and ensure compliance.
• Improve operational efficiencies in project management.
• Proactively source innovation aligned to Decadal Plan priorities.
• Translate priorities into targeted calls and curated pipelines.
• Design and manage a balanced TRL 3–7 portfolio.
• Monitor portfolio performance and recommend adjustments.
• Oversee technical, regulatory and manufacturability assessments.
• Coordinate expert panels and specialist support.
• Support CIO in deal structuring and instrument selection.
• Ensure IP protection and early value optimisation.
• Oversee technical and commercial due diligence processes.
• Ensure effective innovation pipeline management (TRL framework).
• Improve disbursement efficiency and milestone monitoring.
• Strengthen risk management and audit compliance.
• Implement best practices in technology evaluation and commercialisation readiness.
• Design and manage delivery models using partners.
• Ensure performance, governance and compliance.
• Management of time-to-decision on funding
• Project Performance and Delivery Management
• Ensure smooth progression from TRL 3 to TRL 7 and handover to the General Manager: Commercialisation Enablement

Learning and Growth

• Develop technical and innovation competencies within the team.
• Future-Facing Technology and Innovation Capability Development
• Encourage knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration.
• Implement innovation methodologies (Design Thinking, Agile, Open Innovation).
• Support digital transformation and emerging technologies adoption.
• Strengthen leadership pipeline within the unit.

Deadline:24th September,2026