Purpose of Job

To guide IP strategy development, as well as shape the strategic business partnering model, through the provision of expert counsel relating to all IP matters that have a significant bearing on SASOL, in order to protect critical IP assets and sustain continuous competitive advantage.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the development and implementation of group-wide IP functional policies, procedures, and plans.
• Develop and deploy confidential information management protocols.
• Advise and direct relevant stakeholders on IP implications on confidential information.
• Continuously perform IP due diligence and analyse competitors IP portfolios.
• Provide IP advice regarding merger and acquisition transactions and structures.
• Ascertain that IP assets are identified, protected, and exploited at a commercially acceptable cost.
• Review and verify data integrity in IP management systems and databases.
• Lead IP review meetings.
• Negotiate and draft IP provisions in complex IP and technology contracts.
• Verify proper identification of IP risk elements and quantification of overall risk.
• Recommend mitigating controls based on best practices.
• Pinpoint legislation changes that have a potential impact on Sasol Groups intellectual property rights.
• Monitor compliance to formal IP governance requirements.
• Manage tactical approach between IP team, client, and external counsel.
• Apply evidence-based SHE practices in alignment with set standards for safe operations.
• Implement Sasol Group’s risk philosophy and enterprise risk management framework.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver solutions to meet changing business and work requirements.
• Continuously improve own skills and knowledge.
• Complete, implement, and track personal development plan to attain personal performance goals.
• Manage team performance and development formally and informally based on standard practices in use across Sasol Group.
• Identify and activate learning as required based on individual and collective needs.
• Nurture a team spirit and openness towards feedback, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation.

Formal Education

• A relevant University Bachelor’s Degree/ LLB

Working Experience

• 12+ relevant years

Certification & Professional Membership

• Registered patent attorney and Admitted Attorney (non-practicing roll).