About the position
Westfalia Fruit Estate, situated in Tzaneen, Limpopo, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced 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 across the globe
Purpose of the role:
The successful incumbent will 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 while supporting the effective management of IP within the business
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Compile Intellectual Property contracts and reports
- Stay up to date with IP-related legislation and procedures
- Draft and update enforceable agreements including NPA, Commercial Agreements, and 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
- Maintain an archive of original documents and ensure proper filing
- Assist the Operations Manager with IP-related matters and stakeholder communication
- Review monthly financial statements to ensure accuracy
- Monitor income and expenses, ensuring 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 while ensuring regulatory compliance
- Manage documentation and stakeholder relationships to ensure timely delivery of plant material and related packages
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- A diploma or equivalent qualification in plant-related Intellectual Property would be advantageous
- Experience in business administration
- Basic technical understanding of agriculture
- Knowledge of system design
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Knowledge and Skills:
- Customer liaison skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- General legal understanding
- Basic financial knowledge
- 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
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Salary:
The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid and an option to structure an annual bonus
Closing date for applications: 25 May 2026
NB: Should you not receive correspondence by 08 June 2026, please regard your application as unsuccessful
Desired Skills:
- Intellectual Property
- business administration
- Excel
