STRATEGIC COMMERCIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR AT FACTORY 209

Innovus is hiring

Innovus, Stellenbosch University Technology Transfer company, is looking for a Strategic Commercial Projects Director at Factory 209 (Pty) Ltd (F209), a company wholly owned by the University.

F209 needs a highly motivated and competent incumbent with prior work experience and good business acumen to assist in bringing various commercialisation projects to the market and manage/accelerate existing initiatives. 
 

This incumbent must have the ability to manage a team and to source, disseminate and rework large quantities of information from various sources throughout the university, industry and their network. This information will need to be collated, with proactive strategy, budgets, implementation timelines, business models and execution suggestions, into reports and plans that will be presented to all stakeholders. 
 

Once projects have been approved, the incumbent will be responsible to execute trials and implement these projects within the agreed timelines. A special focus on technical solution implementation and change management will be required. Mature projects are to be transferred to a relevant SU business owner, either integrated with a current business or as an independent business concern. 
 

F209 is a special purpose vehicle that was established to develop, implement and maintain commercialisation initiatives at Stellenbosch University (SU). F209 staff will work in very close collaboration with SU stakeholders as well as external stakeholders. 
 

Critical performance indicators 

• Evaluation and feasibility studies
• Business development (commercialisation of initiatives)
• Change Management
• Networking
• Marketing strategies
• Mentorship and leadership
• Stakeholder relations 

Requirements 

• Commercial post graduate degree
• Proven experience in the field of commercialisation
• Proven experience in the field of continuous process improvement
• Project management experience
• Change management experience 
• Experience of working in a large corporate / academic environment 
• Proven record of training and mentoring 
• Proven record in building and managing teams 
• Excellent knowledge of small business incubation/startups 
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (MS Teams, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.) 
• Advanced numeracy and financial skills 
• Working knowledge of Business Model Canvas 
• Excellent verbal and written skills 
• Knowledge of the Growth Wheel model (recommended) 

Interpersonal skills 

• Excellent leadership skills
• High emotional intelligence
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
• Proactive self-starter
• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Ability to be innovative and adaptable
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to mentor and motivate team members 

Advertising Reference Number: F209_Dir
Job Title: Strategic Commercial Projects Director Business Development
Department:
Geographical Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Online Closing Date: 4 December 2020