The University of Manchester I3 Limited (UMI3)

Job title /

Job holder

IP Development & Partnering Manager / [Name]

Reporting Structure

/ Area of Responsibility
Line Manager: Team Leader - IP Development & Partnering / UMIP Division
Date /

Location

24th June 2016 / Based at: Incubator Building, Grafton Street

Description agreed by:

Rich Ferrie

Role

To manage directly, and using external associates where beneficial, a portfolio of development and partnering projects based on University of Manchester IP assets. To add value to such IP assets through securing internal, external or partnered development funding from grant funders, investors and corporate partners so as to position it optimally for commercialisation though licensing, the creation of new ventures or collaborative industrial development, cognisant of validated market need. To secure value for the University from these IP assets by executing commercial agreements either directly or through associates. The post-holder will also undertake other such duties within UMIP in connection with its activities as are required from time-to-time.

1.  Responsibilities - Project Management

·  With the “Team Leader - IP Development & Partnering”, prioritise activities on the portfolio of projects under management in order to expedite them to the market (personal KPIs).

·  Select new IP development and partnering projects (from the “post-pathfinder” pool) and devise IP development plans which add value to such intellectual property and prime for commercialisation

·  Identify and secure appropriate funding for IP development projects by maintaining a broad awareness of a wide variety of potential funding sources, including grants, investment and corporate sources, and preparing compelling and persuasive cases for support in collaboration with academic colleagues and with external partners and associates as may be beneficial

·  Ensure that all projects in the portfolio are connected with external contacts as is necessary to bring relevant market intelligence and ongoing validation of the appropriateness of the development path. This is to be achieved in partnership with from the Enterprise and Business Development team as necessary.

·  Conclude appropriate collaboration and partnering/licensing agreements with potential partners in order to allow technology co-development, trials or commercialisation, whilst ensuring that the University’s position in respect of IP is protected, and that industry partners have appropriate rights to exploit the technology.

·  Ensure that all projects are managed professionally in the context of clear plans, to monitor progress and ensure delivery of the required outputs within timescales and budgetary constraints. Prepare for and hold regular “go/no go” gate reviews to conform to the UMIP development process.

·  Act as an ambassador for UMIP at relevant partnering/brokerage events and conferences and presenting license and investment opportunities at such events

·  Identify potential licensees, investors and corporates with likely appetite for IP under development

·  Incorporate a suitable commercial venture for exploitation of the project IPR and negotiate the founder shareholder position with contributors and participants

·  With external input and through active connection with the market place, define broad-brush business models for new ventures

·  Support the fledgling management team of new ventures as they seek investment and ensure project responsibilities are relinquished at investment events

·  Retain project management responsibility into the transactions/commercialization phase of projects as a member of the Transactions Project Team, and work closely with the Head of Commercial Transactions who will provide support around transacting IP

·  Aim to transact IP development projects with external commercialisation partners rapidly and minimise the residence time of projects under management in accordance with the UMIP development process so as to accommodate new projects as they arise from the IP Scouting team.

·  Working with the IP Services team, protect and manage the IP relating to each portfolio project, ensuring that appropriate and timely decisions are made.

·  Uphold quality standards, UMI3’s policies, procedures and core values as outlined in corporate documents at all times.

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2.  Responsibilities – Reporting

·  Report to the “Team Leader - IP Development & Partnering” on performance against annual plan at agreed periods

3.  Networking and Stakeholder Engagement

·  Working with the Enterprise and Business Development team, build and maintain relationships with key industry partners, investors, entrepreneurs and external service providers with the broad objective of effectively connecting IP commercialisation projects to potential customers, investors, development partners, entrepreneurs/managers and licensees.

·  Networking with and engaging effectively with grant providing bodies to identify funding opportunities for IP Development & Partnering, collaboration and commercialisation for portfolio projects and enable progress towards market delivery.

·  Work with internal University partners, including the Business Engagement team, Knowledge Transfer staff and University graduates and interns as required to explore and develop opportunities for IP projects.

4.  Dimensions

·  The role encompasses IP arising from any Faculty of the University.

·  The role encompasses IP which may be commercialised via both spin-out or licensing channels.

·  The IP Development & Partnering Team must take in approximately 25 new projects per year, and each IP Development & Partnering Manager will handle between 10 and 15 projects each.

·  The role encompasses responsibility for KPIs linked to the volume and value of IP Development & Partnering grants and “Proof of Principle” awards secured, the number of IP project milestones delivered on plan (time and budget), the number and value of licences and partnerships concluded, the reputational benefit to the University from compelling IP commercialisation stories developed through UMIP, and the visibility of IP Development & Partnering projects to external networks and engagement with them.

Profile

·  Educated to at least degree level in a science subject; PhD or business qualification preferable

·  Experience in technical selling, technology transfer, licensing or venturing

·  Active rolodex of relevant contacts and capable networker

·  Excellent project manager with strong leadership, communications and influencing skills

·  In depth understanding of broader business issues and a proven ability to achieve results through people

·  Proactive self-starter able to influence and energise others to build a common vision

·  Results oriented project manager with strong leadership and communications skills

·  Able to act on own initiative within the confines of the job

·  Able to exercise sound commercial judgement

·  Good computer literacy desirable

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