Business Development Manager (Commercialisation & Venture Support) ("BDM (C&VS)")15/01/2025
Description of vacant positionTo 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.
To play a co-ordinating role and be the key liaison between the Company and other key role players in the Wits innovation ecosystem including the Wits Innovation Centre (WIC), the Wits Commercialisation Forum, the Adhoc Innovation Committee, the inventors and/or entrepreneurs involved, external advisors/consultants, funders, and potential industry partners.
To head up the Secretariat of the Wits Commercialisation Forum – which evaluates the Wits innovation pipeline and makes recommendations with regards to license deal structuring and spin-off creation.
The BDM (C&VS) will develop a commercialisation approach (linked with IP strategies) per opportunity, working closely with the Innovation Support team at the WIC to facilitate a smooth transition between the pre-commercialisation activities, that will be largely driven by the WIC, and the commercialisation activities to be championed by Wits Enterprise (ideally in partnership with external market experts or entrepreneurs).
The BDM (C&VS) will look for opportunities for new partnerships, including potential license deals within industry.
In addition, BDM (C&VS) will work closely with the Research & Consulting (R&C) BDM team at Wits Enterprise to develop models for commercial research and consulting businesses based on niche services that Wits is able to offer to the external market.
Likewise, the R&C BDM team will support the BDM (C&VS) with relevant market information and matchmaking opportunities identified through its external client engagements.
How to applyTo 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:
For queries: contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email on ******
DutiesActivities and Responsibilities Support 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' agreementsFacilitating mentorship and operational support to spin-outsManaging early-stage investment opportunities for spin-out companiesDeveloping metrics and/or M&E tools to track the performance, growth and impact of spin-outsMonitoring and allocation of deal income (royalties, dividends, etc.)
according to Wits IP Policy and benefit sharing recordalsPotential board representative on Company managed spin-out BoardsQualifications and experienceA 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-upsDesirable experience and qualifications A 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)Competencies (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 skillsWits Commercial Enterprise (Pty) Ltd ("Wits Enterprise"); a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg ("Wits University")
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