Intellectual Property Administrator

Westfalia Fruit, is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocados & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

Westfalia Fruit Estate, situated in Limpopo, Tzaneen, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced:

Intellectual Property Administrator

Purpose of the role:

The incumbent's primary responsibility is to assist in the administration of Intellectual Property (IP) at Westfalia Fruit and support the Products and Services team in meeting the needs of both internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent is expected to acquire and expand knowledge of Intellectual Property (IP) and support the IP Management team of WiT in managing IP within Westfalia

Key Responsibilities:

- Compile Intellectual Property Contracts and Reports.
- Stay up to date with IP-related legislation and procedures.
- Draft and update enforceable agreements (NPA, Commercial Agreements, Grower Club agreements)
- Compile and submit annual and royalty reports to owners of licensed material.
- Prepare and submit applications for the protection of plant material and other IP worldwide.
- Oversee annual renewal of Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) and trademarks.
- Coordinate importation and exportation of plant material, including permits and phytosanitary certificates.
- Intellectual Property Administration.
- Maintain an archive of original documents and ensure proper filing.
- Assist the Operations Manager with IP-related issues and foster good communication with stakeholders.
- Review monthly financial statements to ensure accuracy.
- Monitor income and expenses, ensuring that funds are billed and received on time.
- Reconcile income and development expenses.
- Invoice licensees for outstanding royalties.
- Coordinate the movement of plant material across borders, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Manage documentation and relationships to ensure timely delivery of plant material and other package

Requirements

Education:

- Grade 12 (Matric).
- A diploma or equivalent qualification related to plant-related Intellectual Property would be an advantage.

Experience:

- Basic technical understanding of agriculture.
- Knowledge of system design.
- Experience in business administration.

Behavioural Competencies:

- Strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
- High attention to detail.
- Initiative, energy, and drive.
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a service-oriented approach.
- High level of integrity.
- Team player who can also work independently

Skills:

- Customer liaison.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- General legal understanding.
- Basic financial knowledge.

Benefits

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident funds, insured benefits, and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Closing date for applications will be 26 March 2025

NB: Should you not receive correspondence 25 April 2025, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.

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