We are currently seeking qualified candidates for a Licensing Executive role with a leading British academic institution based in the West Midlands. This is a permanent position that is part of the University’s IP Commercialisation Office.
PURPOSE
The Licensing Executive will contribute to the development of University-level strategy and supports the IP Commercialisation Director in implementing strategy relating to the University Group’s IP commercialisation, including partnerships with business or key strategic organisations in the UK. The post holder takes an active role in the development of multiple licensing deals, working across the University Group. The Licensing Executive is a key externally focussed post within the University, who works in collaboration across the University, including all Faculties, Schools, FRCs, URCs, Professional Services departments and the wholly or majority owned subsidiary companies of the University Group.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Produce and deliver the University Group’s IP commercialisation strategy and secure funding in collaboration with the IP Commercialisation Director
- Review the University Group’s IP portfolio and implement appropriate commercialisation strategies, identifying the opportunities for licensing IP
- Decide upon appropriate protection of IP rights through external patent attorneys and ensure that IP is protected before release/publication/licensing
- Consolidate background information and market analysis to identify potential licensees for the University Group and work with internal stakeholders to initiate such relationships (with organisations ranging from SMEs to world-leading global companies)
- Conduct due diligence on prospective licensees and on behalf of the University Group negotiate the deals which form the basis of the licences from start to conclusion
- Consider the value of IP, primarily patents, prior to negotiation to establish equitable up-front payments and ongoing royalty rate/s for the duration of the licence, developing and writing well-planned and priced licensing strategies for each licensing opportunity, including detailed market and financial analysis.
- Draft licence agreements and work with colleagues in Legal Services to ensure that they are approved and agreed efficiently.
- To assist colleagues in Legal Services with the negotiation of IP clauses in commercial, international and research contracts and advise on specific IP related queries including IP disputes.
- The development of relationships with new external licensees and the ongoing management of relationships with licensees on a day-to-day basis, including post deal
- Act as the first point of contact for all licensees, attending off-site visits and meetings, growing knowledge and understanding of the licensee and taking a positive responsive attitude to the needs of the licensees.
- To maintain systems for dealing with royalty payments and grant income throughout the life of the licence, liaising with licensees to ensure that payments are calculated and received in a timely manner, including managing audits of licensees where necessary and managing reward and recognition payments to University Group staff
- Act as the primary link between all licensee organisations and key internal stakeholders. Respond to all the relevant individuals within the relationship to the highest possible standards of customer service and escalate any issues in a timely and efficient manner.
- Support colleagues across the University Group to commercialise IP and build relationships with potential licensee companies and other external partner organisations through providing information, guidance, training and support as required.
- Develop and deliver IP protection and commercialisation training for the University Group.
- To maintain and develop the IP Commercialisation Office website, IP database and operate the IPR Helpdesk’
- Present IP commercialisation information, developments and opportunities at internal University Group meetings.
- Contribute to the submission process for the Research Excellence Framework through the collection and sharing of research impact data with the Research Excellence Unit, in the Research Office, and (when necessary) support the Unit by following-up on possible impact links with our external partners
- Represent the University Group at external meetings, including speaker opportunities, presentations and taking part in research relevant panels and boards.
EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- PhD in a STEM subject, or a legal qualification, or equivalent experience. CPD qualifications in IP law & membership of the Licensing Executives Society advantageous but not required.
- Detailed background knowledge and experience of intellectual property commercialisation
- Excellent knowledge of the different forms of intellectual property
- Experience of customer interaction and negotiation of licences or other legal agreements
- Detailed knowledge of licence drafting, licence management and portfolio management
- Knowledge of research commercialisation, business development, knowledge transfer, enterprise and innovation.
- Experience of developing and maintaining strong and effective partnerships with external organisations from the private and public sector.
- Significant depth of knowledge, expertise and track record of achievement relating to the responsibilities of the post.
- Experienced user of IT applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Highly developed communication ability, particularly related to communicating effectively with industry and other non-HE organisations, both orally and in writing
- Highly developed presentation, consultation, influencing and negotiation skills.
- Excellent financial and budgetary understanding.
- Ability to work under pressure, including excellent planning, project development and self-management skills
- An appreciation the global reach of the University and its international agenda
- To be well organised and able to prioritise workload
- Experience communicating complex technical and legal concepts to non-experts
- To be a professional and persuasive negotiator with intuitive interpersonal skills
- Excellent planning, project development and self-management skills plus the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Thorough understanding of, and passion for the commercialisation of research and knowledge transfer between HEIs and Industry.
- Full driving licence
- A flexible approach to working hours (must be prepared to work outside standard hours) and location, including a willingness to travel, locally, nationally or overseas, as required.
