Executive Director Technology, Transfer and Innovation (5 Year) Contract

Mindworx Consulting; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in South Africa is seeking a Senior Management professional to lead technology transfer initiatives. This role will involve strategic leadership, innovation management, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates should have a Master's Degree and a minimum of 8-10 years of experience, with at least 5 years in a senior role related to technology transfer or innovation. Strong skills in networking, team management, and strategic planning are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience, including 5 years at Senior Management level in Technology Transfer and Innovation.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property laws and commercialization processes.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in technology transfer or innovation management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the strategic plan for technology transfer initiatives.
• Drive innovation and foster a culture of new ideas and solutions.
• Manage relationships with industry partners and internal departments to maximize impact.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal relationships

Building partnerships

People management

Resource management

Strategic leadership

Data-informed decision-making

Conceptual thinking

Impact and influence

Planning & organizing

Attention to Detail

Results and Deadline Oriented

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent Teamwork

Education

Masters Degree in Engineering Management / Technology Management / Business Administration / Digital Innovation

Job description

Job Description

Key performance areas include but not limited to :

• Strategic leadership: Lead the development and execution of the TTIs strategic plan, ensuring alignment with national and institutional priorities.
• Innovation Management: Drive innovation and create a culture that supports new ideas and solutions.
• Stakeholder Management and Liaison: Establish and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, investors, academic partners and internal departments to maximise technology impact.
• Resources & People Management: Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team in technology transfer, licensing, and innovation
• Budgeting, Management, and Resource Allocation: ensuring alignment with the institutional goals, efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Policy & Governance: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of technology transfer strategies and policies, adjusting as needed.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• A Masters Degree or NQF level 9 in Engineering Management / Technology Management / Business Administration / Digital Innovation or related fields.

Required Experience

• Minimum 8 - 10 years, 5 years of which must have been at Senior Management within the Technology, Transfer and Innovation or similar environment.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of intellectual property laws, licensing agreements, entrepreneurship and the commercialisation process.
• Demonstrated ability to network and work with a wide range of different constituencies internally and externally.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within technology transfer, commercialisation, or innovation management.

Added Advantage

• Knowledge of academic, research, and administrative processes, regulatory frameworks and challenges of universities in emerging markets.
• Excellent knowledge, understanding, and networking with fundraising, philanthropic foundations, corporate social investment, and the university environment.
• Experience in the higher Education sector will be an added advantage.

Technical Skills and Competencies

• Analytical thinking / Problem solving
• Interpersonal relationships
• Building partnerships
• People management
• Resource management
• Strategic leadership
• Data-informed decision-making and judgement
• Conceptual thinking
• Impact and influence
• Planning & organizing
• Attention to Detail
• Results and Deadline Oriented
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent Teamwork