Senior Commercialisation Leader

Mintek; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A technology transfer organization is seeking a Senior Commercialisation Leader to oversee the commercialization of its IP portfolio. The ideal candidate will manage partnerships, drive strategic initiatives, and ensure compliance and innovation in the minerals sector. A master's degree in science or engineering, along with an MBA, is preferred. Strong market research and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with knowledge of IP law.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of technology transfer and IP management.
• Ability to conduct market assessments.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive the commercialisation of Mintek's IP portfolio.
• Lead market research and identify potential commercial partners.
• Manage a portfolio of products and technologies.

Skills

IP-related advisory

Market research

Due diligence

Stakeholder engagement

Financial modeling

Education

Masters degree in science or engineering

Business qualification (MBA preferred)

Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP)

Knowledge of IP law

Job description

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Senior Commercialisation Leader in the Mintek Office of Technology Transfer, a function under the RDI Operational Services.

The Senior Commercialisation Leader is responsible for driving the Commercialisation of Mintek's IP portfolio.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Advise researchers and Mintek staff on IP‑related matters.
• Undertake due diligence (technical, market and financial) of the IP portfolio.
• Lead market research and identification of potential commercialisation partners.
• Identify suitable commercialisation routes for Mintek IP and technology.
• Lead commercialisation efforts for strategic Mintek programmes.
• Provide strategic inputs in drafting the annual MOTT business plan.
• Identify strategic technologies for the minerals industry.
• Manage a portfolio of products, services and technologies.
• Participate in drafting and implementation of Mintek's commercialisation framework.
• Align funding opportunities with strategic priorities.
• Recommend areas of future Research and Innovation within the minerals sector.
• Work with business development staff to identify market gaps and increase Mintek's business footprint.
• Recommend appropriate further technology development activities to de‑risk technologies, undertake market research and other commercially‑oriented activities.
• Provide input into budgeting exercises for the Mintek IP portfolio.
• Assist the Head in preparing financial reports for NIPMO and Mintek Exco.
• Set up clear commercialisation revenue targets.
• Identify funding sources for seed funding and commercialisation activities.
• Provide inputs into the investment decisions of RDI programmes.
• Support venture creation and nurture commercialisation opportunities until financial independence.
• Prepare draft term sheets for commercialisation deals.
• Work with Mintek innovators and other stakeholders to develop funding proposals for development and commercialisation of innovations.
• Develop business plans and financial models, draft shareholder agreements and/or investment agreements for spin‑out companies.
• Engage a broad range of stakeholders, including investors, commercial partners, external entrepreneurs, incubators, etc., to identify commercialisation opportunities.
• Organise presentations and other engagement sessions on IP and commercialisation matters.
• Provide IP training to Mintek staff.
• Ensure stakeholder liaison and engagement across all divisions.
• Advocate and raise awareness of Mintek’s IP and technologies externally.
• Assess due diligence reports from junior staff members and provide recommendations.
• Match skills, experience, capacity, and resources to opportunities.
• Draft, negotiate and review IP licences and agreements.
• Become an integral member of Mintek’s IP steering committee.
• Manage compliance and regulatory aspects of Mintek’s IP portfolio.
• Conduct risk profiling and mitigation activities for commercialisation projects.
• Adhere to all Mintek policies and ethics.
• Engage in stakeholder relationship management and reporting.
• Maintain responsive and supportive communication with all constituents.
• Report on all commercialisation activities to Exco and/or Board members.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Masters degree in science or engineering.
• Business qualification (MBA preferred).
• Ideal: Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP).
• Ideal: Knowledge of IP law.

Should you not hear from us within one month of the closing date, consider your application to be unsuccessful.

Mintek is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, whose aim is to promote representivity in all levels of occupational categories.