Business Development Manager (Commercialisation & Venture Support) (AD.05.3)
University of the Witwatersrand
Job TitleBusiness Development Manager (Commercialisation & Venture Support)LocationOrganization NameWits EnterpriseDepartment DescriptionPurpose/Description of Job
To play a key role in managing the Company s activities within the University s commercialisation agenda, limited to activities requiring commercial support - including negotiating deals with commercialisation partners, and the establishment and aftercare of spinouts which may flow from Wits research and innovation outputs.Brief DescriptionActivities and ResponsibilitiesSupport the development of marketing material and commercialization strategies for Wits innovationsAttract and engage commercial partners, investors, and entrepreneurs-in-residence by showcasing innovation potential and facilitating networking opportunities through industry events and targeted outreachFundraising for commercialisation of Wits innovations in collaboration with the WIC Innovation Support and R&C BDM teamsProviding regular reporting on deal progress and performance across portfolioProvide Secretariat function to the Wits Commercialisation ForumCo-ordinate the negotiation and execution of commercialisation or license dealsPrepare term sheets for commercial deals for review and approvalCo-ordinate the drafting of licensing agreements for Wits innovations, leveraging outsourced legal expertise where necessaryManaging the registration and compliance of spin-out companies with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)Facilitating the determination of shareholding structures and the preparation of shareholders agreements
Minimum requirements
A relevant tertiary qualification (NQF 7 / University degree or higher)At least 5 years of experience in technology transfer, commercialisation or enterprise development with a demonstrable track record in at least three of the following:Identifying prospective commercialisation partnersFundraising for commercialisation of innovationsNegotiating and/or executing commercialisation/licence dealsEstablishment of spin-outs/start-upsGuidance and support to start-ups
Desirable experience and qualificationsA relevant tertiary qualification (NQF 9 / University Masters degree or higher)Additional Business or Technology Management qualificationAt least 8 years of experience in technology transfer, commercialisation, or enterprise development with a demonstrable track record in the following:Identifying prospective commercialisation partners (with at least 3 subsequent deals secured)Fundraising for commercialisation of innovations (with secured funding in excess of R5 m)Negotiating and/or executing commercialisation/licence deals (at least 3)Establishment of spin-outs/start-ups (at least 2)Mentorship and support of start-ups (e.g. serving on the Board or in a consulting role)Detailed DescriptionJob RequirementsAdditional DetailsHow To ApplyCompetencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours)
A proven passion for/commitment to the development and commercialization of innovations emanating from researchKnowledge of the innovation value chain including the typical processes and challenges involved in protecting and commercialising innovation outputs emanating from a universityExperience in working with a range of stakeholders, including researchers/innovators, investors, commercial partners, regulators, etc.Experience, knowledge and/or awareness of early-stage businesses and requirements for scalingExperience, knowledge, and/or awareness of relevant funding rounds and structuresExcellent interpersonal skills and communication skills (written/verbal)Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-taskHigh degree of computer literacy in MS Office SuiteAbility to work in a team and independently as and when requiredReporting and presentation skillsTo apply: please submit a covering letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details of at least three (3) references by clicking the link: https://wits-enterprise.co.za/vacancies/44330/business-development-manager-commercialisation-venture-support-bdm-cvs/
For queries: contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email on recruitment.witsenterprise@wits.ac.za
Closing date: Wednesday, 15 January 2025 (close of business)Wits Enterprise pursues the principles of employment equity and reserves the right not to make an appointment.Minimum SalaryMaximum SalaryCurrencyAmount of TravelWork At Home
To play a key role in managing the Company s activities within the University s commercialisation agenda, limited to activities requiring commercial support - including negotiating deals with commercialisation partners, and the establishment and aftercare of spinouts which may flow from Wits research and innovation outputs.Brief DescriptionActivities and ResponsibilitiesSupport the development of marketing material and commercialization strategies for Wits innovationsAttract and engage commercial partners, investors, and entrepreneurs-in-residence by showcasing innovation potential and facilitating networking opportunities through industry events and targeted outreachFundraising for commercialisation of Wits innovations in collaboration with the WIC Innovation Support and R&C BDM teamsProviding regular reporting on deal progress and performance across portfolioProvide Secretariat function to the Wits Commercialisation ForumCo-ordinate the negotiation and execution of commercialisation or license dealsPrepare term sheets for commercial deals for review and approvalCo-ordinate the drafting of licensing agreements for Wits innovations, leveraging outsourced legal expertise where necessaryManaging the registration and compliance of spin-out companies with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)Facilitating the determination of shareholding structures and the preparation of shareholders agreements
Minimum requirements
A relevant tertiary qualification (NQF 7 / University degree or higher)At least 5 years of experience in technology transfer, commercialisation or enterprise development with a demonstrable track record in at least three of the following:Identifying prospective commercialisation partnersFundraising for commercialisation of innovationsNegotiating and/or executing commercialisation/licence dealsEstablishment of spin-outs/start-upsGuidance and support to start-ups
Desirable experience and qualificationsA relevant tertiary qualification (NQF 9 / University Masters degree or higher)Additional Business or Technology Management qualificationAt least 8 years of experience in technology transfer, commercialisation, or enterprise development with a demonstrable track record in the following:Identifying prospective commercialisation partners (with at least 3 subsequent deals secured)Fundraising for commercialisation of innovations (with secured funding in excess of R5 m)Negotiating and/or executing commercialisation/licence deals (at least 3)Establishment of spin-outs/start-ups (at least 2)Mentorship and support of start-ups (e.g. serving on the Board or in a consulting role)Detailed DescriptionJob RequirementsAdditional DetailsHow To ApplyCompetencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours)
A proven passion for/commitment to the development and commercialization of innovations emanating from researchKnowledge of the innovation value chain including the typical processes and challenges involved in protecting and commercialising innovation outputs emanating from a universityExperience in working with a range of stakeholders, including researchers/innovators, investors, commercial partners, regulators, etc.Experience, knowledge and/or awareness of early-stage businesses and requirements for scalingExperience, knowledge, and/or awareness of relevant funding rounds and structuresExcellent interpersonal skills and communication skills (written/verbal)Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-taskHigh degree of computer literacy in MS Office SuiteAbility to work in a team and independently as and when requiredReporting and presentation skillsTo apply: please submit a covering letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details of at least three (3) references by clicking the link: https://wits-enterprise.co.za/vacancies/44330/business-development-manager-commercialisation-venture-support-bdm-cvs/
For queries: contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email on recruitment.witsenterprise@wits.ac.za
Closing date: Wednesday, 15 January 2025 (close of business)Wits Enterprise pursues the principles of employment equity and reserves the right not to make an appointment.Minimum SalaryMaximum SalaryCurrencyAmount of TravelWork At Home
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