Industrial Journey Lead

Propella Business Incubator; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading incubation hub in Gqeberha seeks an Industrial Journey Lead to innovate and support startups in various industrial sectors. This role entails program design, mentorship, and industry engagement to propel technology-driven ventures towards commercialization. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in engineering and experience in business incubation, with a passion for developing sustainable industrial practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in business incubation or industrial innovation.
• Demonstrated experience with startups in manufacturing or sustainability sectors.
• Strong business acumen and experience with industrial processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage incubation programs for startups.
• Support entrepreneurs in business model refinement and commercialization.
• Engage with industry for partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

Skills

Project Management

Business Development Coaching

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Industrial Journey Lead

Location: Propella Business Incubator, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

Reports To: Incubator Manager

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

About Propella

Propella Business Incubator is a dynamic, technology-driven innovation hub focused on supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs in high-impact sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, waste beneficiation, water security, and green buildings. As a key player in South Africa's innovation ecosystem, Propella empowers startups to scale commercially viable and sustainable ventures that respond to 4IR and green economy priorities.

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