Business Start-Up Lead (Contract)

Port Elizabeth, South Africa Posted on 02/27/2026

Our client is seeking an Industrial Start-Up Lead to join the Port Elizabeth team on a contract basis,

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 us aligned with emerging industry trends.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Experience in grant writing and donor relationship management preferred
• Exposure to ESG principles and sustainable industrial development practices preferred
• Knowledge of local content and localization policies in South Africa preferred