Commercial Lead (P7) – UJInvnt (Pty) Ltd (3 YEAR CONTRACT without Benefits)

Are you a highly driven and experienced professional looking for a strategic role in intellectual property commercialisation and investment? UJInvnt (Pty) Ltd, an Intellectual Property Holding Company linked to the University of Johannesburg, is seeking a dynamic Commercial Lead to drive investment opportunities, manage portfolios, and maximise returns.

This is a 3-year fixed-term contract position without benefits, offering a market-related remuneration package.

About UJInvnt (Pty) Ltd

UJInvnt is an Intellectual Property Holding Company dedicated to acquiring, exploiting, licensing, and sublicensing patents, trademarks, copyrights, brand names, and ‘know-how’ on technical or administrative matters. Our core objectives include:

• Commercialising opportunities from University activities, including Intellectual Property (IP) through various methods like licensing, IP asset sales, and owning equity stakes in new ventures based on IP assets.
• Providing technical and training services, consultancy, and specialised courses.
• Acting as a Holding Company for commercial activities, holding shares on behalf of the Shareholder in other subsidiary companies.

Job Purpose: Drive Investment & Growth

As the Commercial Lead, you will play a pivotal role in identifying and developing investment opportunities, managing existing portfolios, fostering company growth, and ensuring maximum returns. This is a strategic position requiring a blend of technical understanding, financial acumen, and strong commercial negotiation skills.

Key Responsibilities (What You’ll Do)

• Identify and build high-quality deal flow across various disciplines, including AI, biotech, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, chemistry, synthetic biology, food, agriculture, manufacturing, nanotechnology, and engineering.
• Lead deals from start to finish, serving as the primary deal shepherd.
• Formulate investment memos and structure complex deals.
• Support portfolio companies, expand our network, lead onboarding for new investments, manage founder meetings, and advise on strategic planning.
• Provide hands-on support to optimise operations, revenue models, and scalability of portfolio companies.
• Partner with portfolio companies to optimise growth strategies, track KPIs, and prepare for successful exits.
• Conduct financial, market, and operational analysis of startups, including valuation modelling and risk assessment.
• Develop business cases for new opportunities, providing commercial and financial input to stakeholders.
• Prepare detailed financial models, sensitivity analyses, and scenario modelling to support strategic, commercial, and investment decisions.
• Identify IP with strong commercial potential and develop compelling commercial arguments for investment or licensing, requiring a deep understanding of technology and its value chain.
• Negotiate term sheets, structure investments, and collaborate with legal teams to finalise agreements.
• Lead negotiations for high-value contracts, ensuring favourable terms and compliance.
• Contribute to exit planning, including acquisitions or secondary sales.
• Monitor portfolio performance metrics and KPIs to track Return on Investment (ROI).
• Deliver projects within defined timelines and budget, even under pressure.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, market dynamics, and emerging technologies to inform investment theses.
• Represent UJInvnt at industry events, pitch competitions, and networking forums.
• Prepare performance reports for internal stakeholders and limited partners (LPs).

Minimum Requirements (What We’re Looking For)

Qualifications:

• A relevant Postgraduate qualification (minimum Master’s Degree) with a technical background in Science, Engineering, or Technology (SET); OR
• A Degree in Business Management, Commerce, Accounting, or Investment Management.
• An MBA or MBL qualification will be a significant advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in Commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP), Investment Management, Venture Capital, or Development Finance.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in managing a portfolio of technology development projects.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• At least five (5) years in venture capital, private equity, development finance, impact investment, or corporate development with a track record of successful deals (highly recommended).

Skills & Attributes:

• In-depth knowledge of Intellectual Property (IP) matters.
• Strong project management and risk analysis skills.
• Proven ability in due diligence and deal structuring.
• Ability to quickly learn and execute tasks effectively.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong self-awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with new technologies and a willingness to learn on the job.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Consistently deliver high-quality work product, focused on outcomes.
• Ability to simplify complex topics for various audiences.
• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced financial modelling and strategic commercial analysis skills (high proficiency required).
• High-level investment appraisal and business case development skills.
• Very strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.
• A professional team player (with zero ego).
• High level interpersonal skills with the ability to influence outcomes among multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Expertise in financial modelling, valuation techniques (DCF, comparable), data tools (e.g., PitchBook, Crunchbase), and term sheet negotiation.
• Deep understanding of technology sectors (e.g., SaaS, AI, blockchain, Health tech), startup ecosystems, and scaling challenges.
• Strong network in target industries (e.g., SaaS, healthcare, AI, engineering).
• Proficiency in data analytics platforms and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to use generative AI tools for market intelligence, research, and predictive analytics (advantageous).

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees. Ensure you also attach a copy of your highest academic qualification and proof of registration with any relevant professional bodies.

Apply by: 13 August 2025

For technical support with the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact PNET at 0861 227337 / 010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.

Enquiries:

• For job content: Dr. Vuyisile Phehane (Executive Manager) at Tel: (011) 559 7228 or vphehane@uj.ac.za
• For remuneration & benefits: Ms Lebohang Mpeta (Senior Manager: HCM Resourcing) at Tel: (011) 559 7702 or lmpeta@uj.ac.za

Please note: Candidates may be subjected to psychometric testing and other selection instruments. The University of Johannesburg is committed to equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and historically disadvantaged groups. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you do not receive a response within 8 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.