Senior Manager – Intellectual Property And Contracts N000115

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A notable educational institution is looking for a Senior Manager to oversee intellectual property and contract management. This position involves developing strategies for IP protection, ensuring compliance with legislation, and managing contractual obligations. The ideal candidate must have an LLB with specialization in Intellectual Property Law and at least 5 years of relevant experience. Effective project management skills and knowledge of contract negotiation are essential for success in this role. The position offers market-related remuneration and is permanent.

Qualifications

• An LLB (NQF level 8) with specialization in Intellectual Property Law and Contract Law.
• At least 5 years’ experience in IP management, contract and license negotiation and drafting.
• Experience in project management in an IP or technology transfer environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support intellectual property and contract management processes.
• Develop and execute robust intellectual property protection strategies.
• Ensure compliance with institutional IP policy and relevant regulations.

Skills

Intellectual Property Law

Contract Negotiation

Project Management

Negotiation Skills

Confidentiality

Education

LLB with specialization in IP and Contract Law

Postgraduate diploma/degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Potchefstroom

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

About Our Company

NWU

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) DIVISION: DVC RESEARCH AND INNOVATION DEPARTMENT: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND INNOVATION SUPPORT (TTIS) POSITION NUMBER: N000115 VACANCY: SENIOR MANAGER – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND CONTRACTS PEROMNES GRADE: P6 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

Job Description

Purpose of the position: The purpose of this position is to manage, monitor and support comprehensive intellectual property (IP) and contract management processes within the organisation.

The Core Functions Includes

• Strategic IP protection and portfolio management: Developing and executing robust intellectual property (IP) protection strategies.
• Comprehensive contract oversight and compliance: Managing all IP-related contracting processes.
• Commercialisation transactional support: Providing expert advice and logistical support for commercialisation activities.
• Operational improvement and awareness: Driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of IP disclosure.

Key Responsibilities

• IP Management:
  • Scouting for potential intellectual property (IP) with commercialisation prospects.
  • Evaluation of IP disclosures.
  • Develop and execute IP protection strategies.
  • Coordinate or conduct Freedom to Operate and patent landscape analyses to inform protection and commercialisation decisions.
  • Manage the IP Budget
  • Responsible for NIPMO IP Fund rebate submissions.
  • Responsible for NIPMO reporting and referrals and DHET innovation outputs submissions.
  • Responsible for maintaining an up to date register of IP and periodic review of the IP portfolio.
• Contract Management:
  • Manage, monitor, and support all IP-related contracting processes and obligations, ensuring alignment with institutional IP policy, the IPR Act, and relevant funder requirements.
  • Draft and/or review IP and commercialisation-related clauses in university contracts and ensure compliance with policies and legislation. Work closely with legal counsel and academic staff to manage contractual risks and ensure legal compliance.
  • Oversee and coordinate the drafting, review, and negotiation and finalisation of TTIS related contracts, including but not limited to grant and funding agreements, research collaboration and consortium agreements, material/data transfer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, license and evaluation agreement, service-level and consultancy agreements, shareholder and joint venture agreements.
  • Ensure proper documentation and agreement on IP ownership, revenue-sharing, and benefit-sharing arrangements where 3rd parties are involved.
  • Maintain a contracts register and implement a tracking system for key deliverables, obligations, renewal dates, and reporting requirements.
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with contract terms and conditions with respect to licensing and commercialisation agreements.
• Commercialisation support:
  • Provide expert advice to Commercialisation Specialists on IP and contract-related matters and support in general with their projects.
  • Support due diligence activities for commercialisation deals.
  • Monitor NWU interests in spin-off companies with regard to corporate governance and risk management.
  • Maintain and review NWU’s register of companies and oversee company secretarial services as required.
• IP/TT Awareness and Training:
  • Engage researchers and students to promote disclosure culture and ensure compliance with IP policies.
  • Develop or contribute to IP training and awareness programmes across facilities and research.
  • Implement Patent Incentive Programme and Innovation Awards.
• TTIS Operations:
  • Maintain and refine processes to facilitate the submission, triaging, and timely evaluation of IP disclosures.
  • Contribute to the periodic review and updating of institutional policies.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of contracting frameworks and templates and ensure consistent application across all faculties and campuses.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and reporting.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends, regulations, and best practices in IP and contract management.
  • Serve on various committees as required.
• People Management:
  • Supervise and support two direct reports, ensuring effective task allocation, workload management, and adherence to service standards.
  • Conduct performance reviews, provide regular feedback, and support professional development.
  • Ensure clear communication, role clarity, and continuous improvement in team operations.

Minimum Requirements

• An LLB (NQF level 8) with specialization in Intellectual Property Law and Contract Law.
• At least 5 years’ experience in IP management, contract and license negotiation and drafting preferably in a university or public research environment.
• At least 5 years’ people or project management experience in an IP or technology transfer environment.

Recommendations / Added Advantages

• A multidisciplinary background: combination of law, science and/or business qualifications
• A postgraduate diploma / degree (NQF level 8 or higher) in a relevant field
• Extended tenure in technology transfer with senior level responsibilities.
• Expertise with SA IP Regulations and practical experience of IPR Act compliance and NIPMO processes.
• Broad contractual, commercialisation and corporate experience: Negotiating varied research and commercialization contracts, familiarity with company law, spin-offs, securing R&D funding or venture capital.
• A registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) designation
• Registered as an admitted attorney/advocate or patent attorney

Key Functional / Technical Competencies

• Knowledge and application of IP law and the IPR Act.
• Knowledge and application of Companies Act and Law of Contracts.
• Excellent contract drafting skills and experience.
• Effective oral and writing communication skills.
• Skilled in negotiation of deals.
• Good skills in using software such as Microsoft 365 functionalities (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams).

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Conduct him/herself with integrity and act ethically at all times.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Work as part of a team.
• Good time management.
• Show dedication and commitment in execution of duties.

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries regarding job content may be directed to:

Dr Janine Chantson, Email: [e-mail]

Enquiries regarding recruitment process may be directed to:

Mr Rabs Diratsagae, Tel: [phone]

Closing date:

11 January 2026

Planned commencement of duties:

As soon as possible

Kindly take note: Applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.