Job Description
The Westfalia I-Team (WiT), situated in Tzaneen has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced Horticultural Development Manager.
Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce - 365 days a year & across the globe.
With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading avocado experts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
Click on this link to apply to this role: https://apply.workable.com/westfalia-fruit/
Purpose of the role:
To manage and align Westfalia's intellectual property (IP) and horticultural development services by supporting both internal and external stakeholders. The role encompasses legal and commercial responsibilities related to IP, strategic support to the Operations Manager, and ensuring effective IP protection, commercialization, and royalty management. The incumbent also provides technical horticultural support to global licensees and contributes to financial oversight within the Westfalia i-Team department.
Key Responsibilities:
IP Management & Legal Coordination:
- Draft, finalize, and maintain legal documents related to IP
- Ensure contracts comply with SA and international plant protection laws
- Manage IP database and communication with partners
Commercialization of IP:
- Identify opportunities for and manage commercialization of Westfalia's IP
- Provide technical support to growers and research partners
- Negotiate licensing agreements and contracts
Horticultural Support:
- Manage a nursery for international trial trees
- Coordinate cross-border plant movement and provide technical assistance
- Support national and international licensees in IP development
Financial Administration & Budgeting:
- Monitor and reconcile royalty income and expenses
- Manage own budget with a variance target of <10%
- Ensure accurate invoicing and income tracking
Minimum Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, or a related agricultural field (essential)
- Training in Intellectual Property or South African/international Law (advantageous)
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years in an agricultural research and development environment
- Experience managing legal and IP documentation in an agricultural or research context
- Financial oversight or budgeting experience within a research or business unit
- Exposure to international collaboration and stakeholder management is an advantage
Behavioural Competencies:
- Strong attention to detail and commitment
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Integrity and professionalism
- Service-driven with a collaborative mindset
- Strong problem-solving and independent decision-making ability
- Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Willingness to coach and guide subordinates where necessary
- Ability to travel locally and internationally
Technical Competencies:
- Project and IP management
- Financial administration and royalty tracking
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Database management (related to IP/royalties)
- Proficiency in English; Spanish or Portuguese (advantageous)
Remuneration:
- The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package, which comprises a provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid, and an option to structure an annual bonus
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