Head: Research & Innovation

SUMMARY:
Head: Research & Innovation:  The role is responsible for ensuring the management and protection of Our client research and innovation intellectual property that emerges from our innovation and research collaborations and for continually seeking new opportunities on key project areas.

POSITION INFO:
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify commercialization opportunities of the research products also enabling us to identify early on how some of the projects can move towards scaling and commercialization.
This will also require preparing potential commercialisation plans and agreements while managing benefit products sharing as well identifying potential spinoffs.
Responsible for ensuring that there is regular support, including scheduling and administrative support, on all Business Unit research projects with external research and innovation partners.
Continually seek new opportunities on key project areas and this will require an understanding of the key technology areas as well as the local and global landscape in our areas of focus (i.e. 5G connectivity, iOT, AI, Cloud Computing, Gaming, AR/VR, Quantum computing).
Support the organization of the yearly COE''s conference on administration, looking for more sponsorship for it and ensuring we produce a content output allowing for the enablement of non-specialist readers to engage on the conference output.
Produce key research reports from those emanating technology areas that the business invests in.
Responsible for engaging in the structuring, negotiation and closing of potential licensing deals and new venture formation which emerge from our research and innovation projects.

CORE COMPETENCIES
 
FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Project Management; Knowledge and understanding of the legal processes related to innovation and intellectual property protection; Knowledge and understanding of key technologies including 5G connectivity, iOT, AI, Cloud Computing, Gaming, AR/VR, Quantum computing
 
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
Verbal and written communication; interpersonal and team skills; Stakeholder Engagement; Critical thinking; Negotiation techniques
 
ATTITUDES/ LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Thought Leadership: Developing strategies/ Providing insights; Generating ideas; Examining information; Adopting practical approaches; CPP/ Providing Insights
Market Leadership: Developing expertise; Interacting with people; Understanding people; Seizing opportunities Business Leadership: Pursuing goals; Upholding Standards; Managing tasks; Seizing opportunities
People Leadership: Making decisions; Empowering individuals; Challenging ideas; Directing people; Convincing people; Interacting with people Personal Leadership: Embracing change; Thinking positively; Showing composure; Understanding people; Valuing individuals; Team working; Values Aligned with Our client Values (CHART); Adaptability & Flexibility
 
MINIMUM PERSON REQUIREMENTS: 
REQUIRED CERTIFICATION/PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
Certification in Project management preferred

QUALIFICATIONS
3-year Degree (NQF level 7) preferably in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or Innovation. A postgraduate qualification (NQF level 9 or 10) will be preferable; e.g. Masters/ Phd in Computer science, Information Systems, Engineering or Innovation.
 
EXPERIENCE
8 years relevant experience, preferably in Engineering and/or Innovation environment, of which at least 3 years on senior management level.
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Proven leadership in research and innovation management.
Proven experience in being able to write and produce research reports. Sound experience in taking projects from research to commercialization.
Experience managing projects involving cross-functional teams with multiple stakeholders that include both industry and research institutions.
 
KEY STAKEHOLDERS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) KEY DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY
KEY METRICS

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