Manager, Commercial - Africa

Tidewater; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Tidewater is seeking a GeoMarket Senior Manager to lead commercial, business development, and marketing activities from our Dubai base, expanding Tidewater's Africa footprint. The role demands strategic leadership across the sales lifecycle and revenue growth, plus deep market insights and stakeholder engagement at senior levels.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in commercial leadership, proven bid and negotiation experience on multi‑million-dollar deals, and a strong grasp of offshore

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial and business development at management level.
• Experience leading high-value bids ($25–$50M) and contract negotiations.
• Strong understanding of Offshore Oil & Gas Marine Market and market trends.
• Experience working in West Africa is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrate financial acumen and ability to manage budgets and pricing.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic commercial leadership across the sales lifecycle and driving revenue growth.
• Analyse market opportunities and competitor activity to shape strategic initiatives.
• Lead high value client negotiations and manage contract variations.
• Develop and maintain professional networks to support success in the position.
• Oversee the timely execution of commercial reporting and risk governance.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Bid management

Strategic analysis

Stakeholder influence

Budgeting & pricing

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

About the job

The Company

Tidewater owns and operates one of the largest fleets Offshore Support Vessels in the industry, with over 60 years of experience supporting offshore energy exploration and production activities worldwide.

Tidewater is dedicated to supporting our customers globally, with the highest level of service using our best assets, our people and our vessels. We deliver these services with the highest level of operational performance to include safety for our people, compliance with all laws and regulations and respect for the environment and local communities in which we work.

The Role

As a key member of the GeoMarket Senior Management team, this role provides strategic and operational leadership ensuring the efficient delivery of commercial, business development and marketing activities to further grow Tidewater's business in Africa.

Base Location

Dubai

Working Pattern

Mon – Fri office based

Main Responsibilities

• Provide strategic commercial leadership across the entire sales lifecycle and driving revenue growth
• Analyse market opportunities and competitor activity to shape and execute strategic initiatives that deliver long-term revenue growth and market expansion.
• Drive short term and long-term business opportunities
• Provide commercial analysis and insights to support key decision-making processes
• Lead high value client negotiations
• Shape price models, risk strategy and governance
• Act as key commercial interface between internal and external stakeholders
• Manage compliance and commercial risk
• Achieve monthly, quarterly and annual revenue targets
• Support contract delivery post award.
• Oversee the timely execution of contract variations
• Raise contractual and commercial awareness of GeoMarket Managers to ensure contract delivery and meeting of associated KPIs.
• Undertake resolution of contractual disputes, liaising with legal advisers as required.
• Develop and maintain professional and industry networks to support success in the position.
• Administer and manage Area, GeoMarket and Corporate commercial reporting requirements.

Skills, knowledge and qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of 5 years of commercial and business development experience at management level
• Hold a relevant degree qualification, or equivalent competency gained through experience.
• Record of leading high value bids (recent tender examples between $25 million and $50 million) & contract negotiations
• Must have an ability to demonstrate a deep understanding of the Offshore Oil & Gas Marine Market and a desire to learn and keep up with market trends
• Experience working in West Africa would be highly advantageous.
• Demonstrate Technical and operational acumen
• Strong analytical skills with a solutions focussed mindset
• Proven experience working with and negotiating maritime contracts.
• Ability to communicate with and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Financial understanding, experience of building and executing annual budgets and pricing expertise
• Ability to identify and implement value added improvements

Compensation & Benefits

Tidewater offers a competitive compensation and benefits package

We are an equal opportunity employer and recognise the value of having an inclusive and diverse workplace. We promote diversity, equity and inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Closing Date: 27.09.26