ICT Journey Lead & Industrial Journey Lead

Propella Business Incubator; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Propella Business Incubator is seeking two experienced Journey Leads for ICT and Industrial sectors to enhance incubation journeys for startups and SMEs. These roles involve program development, mentorship, and industry engagement to drive growth and innovation in the Eastern Cape. Both positions require a strong foundation in their respective fields and a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' experience in entrepreneurship development or technology incubation.
• Demonstrated experience working with early-stage ICT startups or industrial SMEs.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of incubation journeys for ICT and industrial startups.
• Guide entrepreneurs in business model development and commercialization strategies.
• Build partnerships with universities and industry for ecosystem support.

Skills

Project Management

Business Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Road Mapping

Innovation Ecosystem Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Business Development, Computer Science or related ICT/technology field

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field

Job description

Job Titles:ICT Journey Lead & Industrial Journey Lead

Location:Propella Business Incubator, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

Reports To:Incubator Manager

Employment Type:Fixed-term contract (On-site)

Propella is a leading technology-driven business incubator committed to advancing innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship in the Eastern Cape. We focus on sectors critical to sustainable development, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart manufacturing, and digital technologies. Our mission is to provide high-impact incubation and acceleration support for startups and SMEs developing solutions for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Role Purpose

The ICT Journey Lead will lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of incubation and acceleration journeys for technology-driven startups and SMEs. This role focuses specifically on information and communication technology (ICT) ventures, including software, digital platforms, AI, IoT, and smart infrastructure. The manager will play a key role in enabling venture growth through tailored support, stakeholder engagement, and innovation ecosystem development.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Management

• Design and implement customized pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration journeys for ICT ventures.
• Develop structured startup support frameworks including ideation, MVP development, product-market fit, and scaling phases.
• Manage intake, onboarding, and graduation processes for digital startups.

Venture Support & Mentorship

• Guide ICT entrepreneurs in business model development, customer validation, technical road mapping, and investor readiness.
• Facilitate access to software development tools, cloud services, and technical mentorship.
• Identify key barriers to growth and develop solutions using Propella’s internal and external resources.

Innovation Ecosystem Engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with universities, corporates, funders, and government programs to support ICT innovation.
• Engage with local and national digital economy initiatives to align program offerings with sector trends.
• Represent Propella at ICT innovation forums, pitch events, and strategic convenings.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Track incubatee progress using KPIs and report on incubation outcomes.
• Prepare monitoring and evaluation (M&E) reports, success stories, and impact narratives.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for each incubated ICT venture.

Resource Mobilization

• Prepare funding proposals, concept notes, and strategic plans for ICT incubation initiatives and Propella.
• Identify grant, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities to enhance ICT support offerings.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Business Development, Computer Science or related ICT/technology field.
• At least 5 years’ experience in entrepreneurship development, technology incubation, or innovation program management.
• Demonstrated experience working with early-stage ICT startups, SMEs, or innovation hubs.

Required Competencies

• Strong knowledge of the ICT and 4IR landscape, including AI, IoT, cloud computing, mobile platforms, and SaaS.
• Proven experience in business development, product-market fit strategies, and commercialization for digital ventures.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work with diverse startup teams.
• Effective communicator and facilitator with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with funding and support mechanisms for tech-based enterprises.

Preferred Attributes

• Postgraduate qualification in Business, Innovation Management, or Incubation Management is advantageous.
• Experience in grant writing or managing donor-funded programs.
• Knowledge of the South African digital and innovation policy environment.

Job Title: Industrial Journey Lead

Location: Propella Business Incubator, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

Reports To: Incubator Manager

Employment Type: Fixed-term contract (On-site)

Role Purpose

The Industrial Journey Lead will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing tailored incubation and acceleration journeys for startups and SMEs in industrial sectors. This role will ensure a strong pipeline of ventures progressing through the stages of ideation, prototyping, commercialization, and growth by offering structured support and facilitating access to industry networks, funding, and technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Delivery

· Develop and execute structured incubation and acceleration programs focused on industrial sectors (e.g., manufacturing, green tech, energy systems).

· Support product development, prototyping, pilot projects, and technology readiness.

· Customize incubation pathways based on venture maturity and sector requirements.

Startup & SME Support

· Work closely with entrepreneurs to refine business models, build proof-of-concept solutions, and prepare for commercialization.

· Facilitate mentorship, technical assistance, and access to production and testing facilities.

· Provide business development coaching and link ventures with supply chain and market access opportunities.

Ecosystem & Industry Engagement

· Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, industry bodies, technology suppliers, and research institutions.

· Promote localization and industrial innovation through collaborative initiatives.

· Engage in regional and national forums to keep Propella aligned with emerging industry trends.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

· Track performance of incubated ventures using measurable KPIs.

· Prepare project and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) reports to document impact and inform continuous improvement.

· Maintain accurate records of venture progress, milestones, and interventions.

Project & Resource Management

· Contribute to writing project proposals and managing donor-funded or revenue-generating programs.

· Assist in budgeting, project planning, and coordination of technical support teams.

· Ensure all program documentation is current, accessible, and audit-ready.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field.

· Minimum 5 years’ experience working in business incubation, product development, or industrial innovation.

· Demonstrated experience supporting startups or SMEs in manufacturing, engineering, or sustainability-focused sectors.

Required Competencies

· Deep understanding of industrial processes, product commercialization, and the innovation lifecycle.

· Familiarity with prototyping, fabrication, pilot production, and industrial quality systems.

· Strong business acumen and ability to coach entrepreneurs on market entry and growth strategies.

· Effective relationship builder with experience engaging industry, academia, and government.

· Strong project management, facilitation, and communication skills.

Preferred Attributes

· Experience in grant writing and donor relationship management.

· Exposure to ESG principles and sustainable industrial development practices.

· Knowledge of local content and localization policies in South Africa.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV and a cover letter to The Incubator Manager on the email address: [e-mail]

Salary:Eastern Cape market-related and based on experience

Closing Date:11 July 2025