Senior Manager – Intellectual Property And Contracts N000115 needed at North West University

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. 

Apply by: 11 January 2026