Senior Manager: Innovation needed at University of Cape Town

Minimum qualifications

• A Bachelors degree in science or engineering (i.e. must have a technical undergraduate degree); and a Master’s degree in science, engineering, business (e.g. MBA) or a related area; and a qualification (or demonstrable experience) in financial management.

Minimum experience
(type and years)

• A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in technology transfer in a university environment, or at
• a science council or equivalent with at least three (3) years being in a line management role.
• Strong people management skills and a demonstrated ability to motivate, manage and develop a
• team with diverse skills e.g. ranging from IP management, commericialisation / innovation, new
• venture creation as well as innovation and investment funding.
• Knowledge of the research process and innovation from a university environment, as well as how to
• move a product or service through technology readiness levels.
• Knowledge of associated legislation relevant to technology transfer (e.g. exchange control,
• biodiversity act, etc.) and most importantly, practical implementation of the IP Rights from Publicly
• Financed R&D Act.
• Experience and a proven record in technology transfer and commercialisation services with a
• demonstrated knowledge of intellectual property protection and management, licensing, and
• technology transfer in an academic or industry setting;
• Demonstrable ability to successfully manage, negotiate intellectual property agreements and
• transactions between universities, industry and government;
• Strong interpersonal skills, both oral and written;
• Strong collaboration skills to work with inventors, industry, governmental organisations, investors,
• and entrepreneurs.
• Knowledge of the requirements for company incorporation.
• Experience with the creation and incorporation of university start-up companies.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills, both oral and written;
• Strong collaboration skills to work with inventors, industry, governmental organisations, investors, and entrepreneurs.
• Knowledge Knowledge of the requirements for company incorporation.
• Experience with the creation and incorporation of university start-up companies.
• Professional registration or license requirements Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) status is an advantage. 

Closing date

05 Jan 2026