Position Title:  Innovation Investment Manager

INNOVATION INVESTMENT MANAGER

(Permanent; PC12)

Research Contracts and Innovation (RC&I)

In addition to negotiating research contracts entered into with our wide variety of funders, RC&I fulfills the role of a “Technology Transfer Office” managing Intellectual Property (IP), maturing technologies and ultimately commercialising IP through licensing or spin-off company creation (innovation). 

We invite applications from suitably qualified, experienced and motivated individuals for this permanent post.  The Innovation Investments Manager is responsible for managing the various internal UCT pre-seed, seed and investment funds that invest up to R6m in projects / ventures looking to bring the university’s research outputs to market.  The manager analyses investments, structures deals, identifies new innovation funding opportunities and manages risk through post-investment monitoring and interacting with spin-off companies.

Requirements:

• BComm degree or an NQF 7 level qualification in Life, Health, Physical Science, Engineering (or equivalent).
• 8 years’ experience in a new product development / innovation funding environment. 
• Demonstrated project management (e.g. financial budgeting, controlling and associated reporting).
• Excellent verbal, written and report writing skills (English).
• Good financial acumen and business experience if not in possession of an appropriate business qualification and related experience.
• A good understanding of technology development, start-up company support and commercialisation of “deep” technology.
• Fund raising experience.
• The ability to work as part of a high performing team.

Advantageous:

• Previous experience of working in any of the following: a technology transfer office, venture capital, investment, funder of technology development or start up incubator environment.

Responsibilities:

• Fund management – UCT PreSeed, Innovation Builder, Evergreen Seed and Evergreen Funds and the key contact point for external Venture Capital funds such as the early-stage University Technology Fund
  • Manage preparation and pre-screening of applications.
  • Ensure that applications are routed to appropriate review panels / committees to decide on the award.
  • Participate in due diligence activities with the Innovation Services team.
  • Write investment overviews for presentation to the funding decision committees.
  • Review SAP financial reports and summarise status and returns that have accrued on a monthly basis.
• Funding origination
  • Seek appropriate funding sources to progress UCT innovations locally and internationally.
  • Investigate initiatives to attract alumni and other forms of external investment into UCT innovations.
• Post investment monitoring
  • Ensure that milestones have been met before the next tranche of funding is released.
  • Provide advice, guidance and troubleshooting support to overcome hurdles on funded projects.
  • Write case studies and news articles that exemplify success stories for specific funding.
  • Financial and aggregated performance reporting to funders and investment committees, RC&I and wider stakeholders (includes material for web news and annual reporting).
• Risk Management
  • Establish appropriate reporting for the level of investment, multi-million Rand investment in spin-off companies should receive significant attention.
  • Analyse information received and consider matters such as the risks posed by any deviations or issues noted and look to personally remedy the situation and/or escalate the issue to the relevant stakeholders and propose measures that could be taken. 
  • Compliance assessment - legal, financial and regulatory.
• Line Management
  • Provide line management of the Innovation Projects Coordinator, managing and developing their performance and supervising the quality of the service provided to RC&I team members as well as project leaders.

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between  R 1 059 866 and  R 1 246 900 . 

To apply, please visit the www.jobs.uct.ac.za website to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Motivation/Cover letter that speaks to how you meet the specific requirements of the position.
• The details of three referees, which must include their title, name, surname, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and current telephone numbers.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a competency assessment and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Hlubi Ntsizi at Hlubi.Ntsizi@uct.ac.za or 021 650 3831.

Closing date:                                   2 February 2025

Website:                                          www.hr.uct.ac.za

ID No:                                              889

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.