LEGAL AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGER – STELLENBOSCH
Stellenbosch
Agricultural/Fruit Industry (Citrus Fruit Farming)
Salary: Negotiable

Our client a leader and a large established concern within the agricultural industry is seeking to employ a Legal and Intellectual Property Manager.
Position Overview:
We are looking to appoint a Legal and Intellectual Property Manager to plan, action, and co-ordinate the legal aspects of the businesses operations. The individual will take responsibility for the IP registrations and maintenance for the company’s products and structure and make efficient the contractual and legal aspects of the company’s business to provide information to guide business decisions.
Qualifications and knowledge required:
• A LLB qualification;
• At least 3 years of post-degree work experience;
• 3 Years proven MS Office proficiency (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.);
• Code 08 drivers licence;
• Experience with IP applications, registrations, correspondence and management;
• Experience working with correspondents to settle notarial, apostille, and legalisation of documents for IP applications and contracts;
• Bilingual in English and Afrikaans;
• Experience liaising between legal advisors and management to conclude contracts;
• Experience structuring, implementing and following legal system processes and filing (electronic and hard copy);
• Experience working in a law firm;
• Interpersonal skills / team work;
• Ability to focus on detail and to meet deadlines;
• Adaptability and excellent coordination skills; and
• Excellent communication skills & friendly disposition.

Responsibilities:
• Excellent communication skills;
• Managing, coordinating and undertaking registration and renewal of Plant Breeders Rights, Trademarks, Plant Patents and Patents locally and internationally
• Drafting, preparation, checking, of contracts with various players in the fruit value chain
• Co-ordinating, liaising, settling and filing of legal contracts with clients
• Liaising with staff and IP owners to complete IP registration, updates and maintenance of rights
• Structuring, organizing and maintenance of the legal filing system and databases for Citrogold and Biogold International
• Contract updates, renewals, notification of key dates, arranging payments, managing correspondents
• IP Management: Co-ordination of applications according to deadlines, managing registrations, coordinating payments and office actions
• Coordination of activities of external legal advisors

Closing date: 30 July 2017
Ref: SEIS0029
Vacancy Type: Permanent