Job Description

Title of Position
Manager : Innovation Hub
Post Number
9081
Faculty/Department
University of the Western Cape -> Finance & Services -> Centre for Business Development
Type of Position
Permanent - Full Time
Length of Contract Period
Location
UWC Innovation Hub - WC ZA (Primary)
Closing Date
25/11/2025
Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context.
This role will lead, manage, and coordinate the strategic development and operational delivery of the University of the Western Cape's (UWC) Innovation Hub Precinct, located at 405 Voortrekker Road, Parow, including managing associated innovation-driven projects, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure planning, and economic development initiatives.
Reporting to the Director Business Development, the responsibilities include:
Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement plans for the Innovation Hub Precinct.
• Align precinct projects with broader economic development and innovation strategies.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.

Project Management

• Oversee the delivery of multiple innovation-focused projects.
• Ensure timely execution, budget control, and quality outcomes.
• Apply best practices in agile, design thinking, or other innovation methodologies.

Precinct Management

• Coordinate facilities use and ensure optimal use of building facilities including the studios and showrooms.
• Coordinate infrastructure and equipment maintenance management with various departments to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities that are directly relevant to the Hub's infrastructure and technological resources.
• Manage events such as tours and all comprehensive administrative functions related thereto with capacity to organize and oversee events.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and manage partnerships with universities, startups, investors, industry, and government.
• Facilitate collaboration of stakeholder engagements on various platforms.
• Customer Relationship Management and communication with a broad range of stakeholders within both the university and external market that are important for the Hub's diverse partnerships and collaborations.

Governance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Report on project milestones, KPIs, and precinct performance.
• Compile annual operational budget.

Operational Oversight & People Management

• Oversee precinct operations, facilities, tenant management, and day-to-day activities.
• Manage procurement, service contracts, and space utilisation.
• Perform supervisory roles to the Interns and other student assistant recruitment and assist with the recruitment process and aligning the role's on implementing and improving the ARVR Development Programmes.

Business Development & Innovation Ecosystem Growth

• Promote the precinct as a hub for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Attract new tenants, partners, and investment opportunities.
• Promote the immersive technologies and other facilities for future business

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant Honours Degree in Business, Management, or related field (NQF 8)
• 5 Years Co-ordinator / Management experience in relevant field, of which 2 years should include managing a precinct.
• Driver's License (with 2 years driving experience)

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic thinking & commercial acumen
• Experience with innovation ecosystems or precinct management
• Financial & contract management skills
• Negotiation skills
• Building interpersonal relationships
• Communication
• Planning and organising
• Adaptability/ flexibility
• Managing and working in diverse teams
• Written communication

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.
To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za.
DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

Skills Required