Manager : Innovation Hub

UWC Online - University of the Western Cape; Motherwell; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa is seeking a qualified coordinator to manage the Innovation Hub Precinct. Responsibilities include overseeing projects, managing partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, management experience, and strong strategic and communication skills. This role is pivotal for fostering innovation and collaboration within the community.

Qualifications

• 5 years coordinator/management experience in relevant field, including 2 years managing a precinct.
• Driver's License with at least 2 years of driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plans for the Innovation Hub Precinct.
• Oversee the delivery of innovation-focused projects.
• Coordinate the optimal use of building facilities and resources.
• Build partnerships with universities, startups, and government.
• Ensure compliance with governance and funding requirements.
• Manage day-to-day precinct operations and staff.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal relationships

Written communication

Planning and organising

Adaptability

Diversity management

Education

Honours Degree in Business, Management, or related field (NQF 8)

Job description

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context.

This role will lead, manage, and coordinate the strategic development and operational delivery of the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Innovation Hub Precinct, located at 405 Voortrekker Road, Parow, including managing associated innovation-driven projects, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure planning, and economic development initiatives.

Reporting to the Director Business Development, the responsibilities include:

Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement plans for the Innovation Hub Precinct.
• Align precinct projects with broader economic development and innovation strategies.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.

Project Management

• Oversee the delivery of multiple innovation-focused projects.
• Ensure timely execution, budget control, and quality outcomes.
• Apply best practices in agile, design thinking, or other innovation methodologies.

Precinct Management

• Coordinate facilities use and ensure optimal use of building facilities including the studios and showrooms.
• Coordinate infrastructure and equipment maintenance management with various departments to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities that are directly relevant to the Hub's infrastructure and technological resources.
• Manage events such as tours and all comprehensive administrative functions related thereto with capacity to organize and oversee events.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and manage partnerships with universities, startups, investors, industry, and government.
• Facilitate collaboration of stakeholder engagements on various platforms.
• Customer Relationship Management and communication with a broad range of stakeholders within both the university and external market that are important for the Hub's diverse partnerships and collaborations.

Governance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Report on project milestones, KPIs, and precinct performance.
• Compile annual operational budget.

Operational Oversight & People Management

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• Oversee precinct operations, facilities, tenant management, and day-to-day activities.
• Manage procurement, service contracts, and space utilisation.
• Perform supervisory roles to the Interns and other student assistant recruitment and assist with the recruitment process and aligning the role's on implementing and improving the ARVR Development Programmes.

Business Development & Innovation Ecosystem Growth

• Promote the precinct as a hub for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Attract new tenants, partners, and investment opportunities.
• Promote the immersive technologies and other facilities for future business

Qualifications

• Relevant Honours Degree in Business, Management, or related field (NQF 8)
• 5 Years Co-ordinator / Management experience in relevant field, of which 2 years should include managing a precinct.
• Driver’s License (with 2 years driving experience)

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strategic thinking & commercial acumen
• Experience with innovation ecosystems or precinct management
• Financial & contract management skills
• Negotiation skills
• Building interpersonal relationships
• Communication
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability/ flexibility
• Managing and working in diverse teams
• Written communication