The Business Manager plays a pivotal role in driving institutional excellence and strategic alignment across the university. The incumbent will leverage extensive experience in strategic planning, risk management, and compliance to establish robust internal controls that mitigate financial risks and enhance operational efficiency. Collaborating with research chairs, the individual will align financial requirements with overarching institutional goals, facilitating the development of innovative business models that integrate commercialisation strategies to maximise research impact and revenue generation. The role includes providing strategic input during contract negotiations to ensure compliance and protect institutional interests while acting as a key liaison among diverse stakeholders to enhance collaboration and funding opportunities. Additionally, the incumbent will lead digital transformation initiatives to optimise financial management processes and cultivate a culture of innovation, empowering teams to explore new funding avenues and establish additional research units that drive transformative outcomes across the institution.

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. 

Duties and responsibilities

Business Unit Leadership and Coordination:

•    Create strategic frameworks for financial reporting and performance measurement tailored to each research chair, ensuring consistency and accuracy while driving continuous process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness and support informed decision-making. 

•    Spearhead and orchestrate all financial initiatives associated with research chairs, promoting institutional collaboration among faculties and strengthening engagement with diverse stakeholders to optimise resource allocation and drive research excellence.

•    Empower research chairs to strategically identify and capitalise on third-stream income opportunities, such as grants and industry partnerships, by leveraging expertise in research funding models to enhance financial sustainability and amplify the impact of their initiatives.

•    Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement by offering strategic guidance and mentorship to financial support staff within the institution, enhancing their professional development and empowering them to contribute effectively to organisational goals.

Strategic Financial Management:

•    Develop and implement financial strategies for the Business Unit, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

•    Provide financial oversight and guidance for all research chairs within the unit, ensuring effective allocation and utilisation of resources, and integrating risk management practices.

•    Prepare and monitor the annual budget, including forecasting, cost analysis, and resource allocation to support research activities, while evaluating funding models to optimise third-stream income generation.

•    Evaluate financial performance against the budget and recommend adjustments to enhance operational excellence and resource utilisation. 

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

•    Develop and implement robust compliance and internal control frameworks that uphold rigorous standards for internal financial policies and external regulations. This strategic approach will mitigate financial risks, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen the organisation’s financial integrity, fostering trust among stakeholders and ensuring long-term resilience.

•    Produce comprehensive and timely financial reports, including quarterly and annual statements, to deliver strategic insights that guide high-level decision-making and support the organisation’s long-term objectives.

•    Oversee audits and manage relationships with external auditors, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial practices while safeguarding institutional interests.

Research Support and Development:

•    Collaborate with research chairs to assess and align their financial requirements with strategic institutional goals, delivering customised support that enhances the sustainability and impact of their research initiatives.

•    Facilitate the development of innovative business models for research initiatives, integrating commercialisation strategies to optimise impact and enhance revenue generation, thereby driving long-term institutional growth and sustainability.

•    Evaluate and identify strategic funding opportunities, guiding the preparation of financial components in grant proposals to secure critical resources for research projects, while leveraging expertise in grant management practices.  

•    Monitor and assess the financial performance of research activities to ensure alignment with budgetary goals and maximise intended financial outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

•    Act as a strategic liaison among research chairs, faculty leadership, and external funding bodies, facilitating clear and transparent communication to align goals, optimise collaboration, and enhance the institution's funding opportunities and research impact.

•    Cultivate and nurture robust relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive collaboration and support for research initiatives, fostering a culture of engagement that enhances institutional impact and innovation.   

•    Deliver insightful financial reports and strategic recommendations to faculty management, research chairs, and key stakeholders, guiding informed decision-making and aligning financial strategies with institutional priorities. 

•    Articulate complex financial information clearly and concisely to stakeholders across diverse levels of financial literacy, ensuring understanding and informed engagement in strategic discussions.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation:

•    Cultivate a culture of innovation that empowers research chairs to explore new funding models and entrepreneurial ventures, while strategically identifying and forming additional research units to enhance the institution's overall research impact and drive transformative outcomes.

•    Proactively identify opportunities for process optimisation and implement best practices in financial management and business operations, driving efficiency and enhancing overall organisational performance.

•    Continuously monitor industry trends and regulatory developments to ensure the Business Unit maintains compliance and competitiveness, leveraging insights to drive innovation in funding models and strategic initiatives.

•    Lead digital transformation initiatives within the Business Unit by leveraging technology to enhance financial management and reporting processes, driving operational excellence and positioning the organisation for sustained success

Inherent Job Requirements

•    A Chartered Accountant (SA).

•    A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in financial management within the higher education environment.

•    Demonstrated experience in research funding models, grant management, and third-stream income generation.

•    Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, risk management, and compliance.

•    Experience in contract negotiations and reviews to ensure compliance and protect institutional interests.

•    Knowledge of intellectual property management and experience in commercialisation strategies to maximise research impact and revenue generation.

•    Proven track record in managing complex budgets, financial reporting, and compliance.

Recommendations

•    Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills, with a strong ability to problem-solve and adapt to changing research priorities.

•    Proven ability to drive operational excellence and process improvements within financial and operational environments.

•    Understanding and adaptability to navigate changing research priorities, funding landscapes, and regulatory requirements.

Key Competencies Required:

•    Results oriented:

-    The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and work to achieve success.

-    The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

•    Strategic thinking:

-    The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

-    The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

•    Business acumen:

-    The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.

-    Proficient in using MS Office.

•    Leading:

-    The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy, and enthusiasm.

-    The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.

•    Building coalitions:

-    The ability to negotiate, sell, influence, and persuade others.

-    The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration, and working with close supervision. 

Required Documents

Please ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

•    A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.

•    Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).

•    A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).

•    Proof of registration with a professional body (if applicable).

•    A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).

•    Confirmation of employment from current employer/last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties

As soon as possible.

Closing date

17 November 2024.

Salary

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits

Subject to specific conditions: pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus, and study benefits.

Enquiries

For enquiries, please contact 051 401 9329 or email VermaakM@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9848 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its employment equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf.

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.