Commercial Finance Director

Syndicate Personnel Specialists; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 3,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A global FMCG powerhouse is seeking a Commercial Finance Director to lead the commercial finance agenda across Southern Africa. This pivotal role involves crafting strategy, ensuring financial stewardship, and delivering growth. The ideal candidate has 12–15 years experience and strong commercial finance expertise, driving performance and influencing stakeholders within a complex environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape financial strategies for a reputable organization.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years’ experience in finance leadership, specifically in commercial finance.
• Proven expertise in sales forecasting and resource allocation.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of driving results.
• Track record of influencing executive-level stakeholders and driving results in complex environments.
• Professional finance qualification (CA/ACMA/CIMA or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Resilient, commercially sharp, and a proven leader of people and change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial finance agenda to drive growth and optimise trade spend.
• Ensure accuracy in S&OP sales forecasting.
• Shape medium- to long-term commercial strategy.
• Shape medium- to long-term commercial strategy across customers, channels, and innovation pipelines.
• Drive margin improvement, working capital discipline, and compliance across commercial operations.
• Build, develop, and inspire a high-performing, diverse team while championing change and inclusion.

Skills

Commercial finance partnering

Forecasting

Pricing

Resource allocation

S&OP sales forecasting

Performance management

Leadership

Sales partnering

Education

Professional finance qualification (CA/ACMA/CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Managing Director at Syndicate Personnel Specialists

I am partnering with a global FMCG powerhouse – a business with iconic brands trusted by billions of consumers in over 190 countries. Purpose-driven and performance-focused, it is recognised for building exceptional leaders while driving sustainable growth at scale.

We are seeking a Commercial Finance Director to lead the commercial finance and performance agenda across Southern Africa. This pivotal leadership role will partner closely with the regional executive team, customer development, and sales leaders to shape strategy, ensure financial stewardship, and deliver in-year growth.

The mandate

• Partner with Sales and Customer Development teams to drive profitable growth, joint business planning, and terms negotiations.
• Lead the commercial finance agenda – resource allocation, pricing, ROI on customer investments, and trade spend optimisation.
• Oversee the S&OP sales forecasting process, ensuring accuracy, rigour, and alignment with business plans.
• Shape medium- to long-term commercial strategy across customers, channels, and innovation pipelines.
• Drive margin improvement, working capital discipline, and compliance across commercial operations.
• Build, develop, and inspire a high-performing, diverse team while championing change and inclusion.

The profile we’re seeking

• Senior finance and commercial leader with 12–15 years’ experience, including extensive commercial finance partnering with Sales/Customer Development teams.
• Proven expertise in forecasting, pricing, ROI, and resource allocation.
• Strong experience in S&OP sales forecasting and performance management.
• Track record of influencing executive-level stakeholders and driving results in complex environments.
• Professional finance qualification (CA/ACMA/CIMA or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Resilient, commercially sharp, and a proven leader of people and change.

This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in shaping the commercial and financial direction of a global organisation that combines scale, purpose, and performance.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance and Accounting/Auditing

Industries

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Personal Care Product Manufacturing
• Soap and Cleaning Product Manufacturing