Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Wits Commercial Enterprise (Pty) Ltd (WCE), a company wholly owned by Wits University, facilitates commercial research, consulting, and the commercialisation of intellectual property. The Board of WCE seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced individual to lead and drive impactful innovation and commercial success.

Brief Description

Main purpose

The CEO is responsible for developing a long-term strategy that creates shareholder value and executes short-term plans to achieve immediate goals. A phenomenal leader, the CEO must demonstrate excellent organisational management and must harness the talent of high-performing teams to execute operational plans within approved budgets. As the Executive Director of the Company, the CEO is responsible for its day-to-day management, including engagement with shareholders, management, employees, the public and private sectors, and other stakeholders. Past success working with a Board of Directors is essential.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement WCE’s long-term strategy and financial plans,
2. Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency,
3. Drive commercialisation initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and brand positioning,
4. Foster a high-performance culture and lead a talented team, and
5. Ensure governance and financial sustainability in line with best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Proven executive leadership experience in a corporate or commercial environment,
2. Strong strategic, financial, and operational management skills,
3. Ability to build partnerships and work with diverse stakeholders,
4. Excellent communication and decision-making abilities, and
5. Experience in innovation, commercialisation, or research-based enterprises is advantageous.

· At least 10 years leadership and/or managerial experience in the innovation space,

· Master/Doctoral degree in a relevant technical/professional field would be a distinct advantage, and

· Knowledge of the higher education sector is preferred.

Remuneration

Remuneration is commensurate with years of experience and will include a performance-based incentive.

How To Apply

To Apply: Please submit a detailed CV with names, addresses (preferably email addresses) and the contact details of three referees, certified copies of degrees and diplomas, and a cover letter.

Register your profile on the Wits i-Recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submit your application.

Internal employees are invited to apply directly via Oracle by following: iWits/Self Service application/Apply for a job.

The WCE Board reserves the right to verify all information provided by candidates and to verify credit rating. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with the shortlisted candidates. The WCE Board reserves the right not to make an appointment or re-advertise.