General Manager: Technology Development & Innovation

General Manager:
Technology Development & Innovation

Details

Closing Date 2026/09/24

Reference Number TIA
260904-4

Job Title General Manager:
Technology Development & Innovation

Job Type Classification Permanent

Location
- Town / City Pretoria

Location
- Province Gauteng

Location
- Country South Africa

Job Advert Summary

To lead the development and management of a balanced TRL 3–7 innovation portfolio that delivers market-relevant technologies, maximises return on innovation investments, and supports national priorities. The role ensures effective sourcing, de-risking, funding, and commercialization of technologies through strong governance, strategic partnerships, and efficient lifecycle management, while building internal capability and driving a high-performance innovation culture.

TIA is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes, we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer‑centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability.

The Technology Innovation Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.

The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Qualifications:

• Postgraduate Degree (NQF Level
  8) in Engineering, Information & Communication Technology, Science or Technology‑related field, Innovation Management, Commercialisation / Technology Management

Work Experience:

• 10–12 years’ relevant experience in technology development, R&D, innovation funding, or commercialisation.
• At least 10 years in a senior management or executive leadership role, with demonstrated success in portfolio construction, technology scale‑up, and leading multidisciplinary technical teams
• Proven experience managing technology portfolios across the innovation lifecycle (TRL 1–9).
• Experience in conducting technical and commercial due diligence.
• Experience over large innovation budgets, external delivery partners, and complex stakeholder ecosystems including universities, science councils, industry, and government.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial oversight.
• Experience managing delivery via partners.

Financial Perspective

• Manage technology development portfolio within approved budgets.
• Ensure optimal allocation of funding across innovation pipeline stages.
• Drive commercialisation and revenue generation from developed technologies.
• Improve return on R&D and innovation investments.
• Leverage external funding and partnerships
• Manage divisional budget (OPEX & CAPEX) in line with PFMA and TIA Act.
• Optimise funding allocation across innovation pipeline (TRL 1–9).
• Increase commercialisation revenue (royalties, equity, repayments).
• Leverage co‑fFunding and third‑party investment.

Stakeholder Relationship

• Identify market needs and emerging technology trends.
• Support beneficiaries / innovators from concept to market readiness.
• Build strong partnerships with industry, academia, and entrepreneurs.
• Enhance stakeholder satisfaction and trust.
• Promote inclusive and sustainable innovation
• Manage relationships with innovators, academia, industry, and government.
• Ensure client satisfaction and innovation support effectiveness.
• Promote inclusive innovation and transformation objectives.

Internal Processes

• Oversee structured technology development lifecycle (TRL progression).
• Implement governance and stage‑gate processes.
• Reduce time-to-market.
• Monitor project risks and ensure compliance.
• Improve…