Commercial Manager

Indian Ocean Export Company; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading export company based in Durban is seeking a dynamic Commercial Manager to define and implement market strategies. The role involves overseeing the performance of Business Development Managers, driving commercial growth, and collaborating cross-departmentally. Candidates should possess strong leadership and analytical skills, with at least 5 years of experience in a similar role. A degree in business administration or a related field is required.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience as a Commercial Manager or Business Development Manager.
• Experience with exports, logistics, or supply chain.
• Track record of strategic growth and team performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee commercial growth in assigned regions and develop new business.
• Lead and support Business Development Managers to achieve market objectives.
• Align strategies with internal stakeholders for commercial growth.

Skills

Data literacy

Team management

Relationship-building

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Tools

Advanced Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

IOEC is seeking a dynamic Commercial Manager responsible for defining and implementing market strategies, to oversee, optimize and manage performance of BDMs within designated markets. The Commercial Manager is responsible for driving commercial growth. The role requires leadership, commercial acumen and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure the success of the team and the company’s commercial objectives. The Commercial Manager key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Take full ownership of the commercial growth in assigned regions, identify opportunities, expand market share, develop new business, improve performance. Identify trends, monitor competitors, and respond to changes in the market environment.
• Define, develop, and implement commercial strategies for the regions under the management of the Business Development Managers (BDMs). Lead and support the BDMs to ensure they achieve their market objectives. Lead team development and training initiatives to build the capabilities of the BDM team. Ensure BDM’s are well‑trained, motivated, and encourage continuous learning and skill development. Regularly assess BDM performance, address performance gaps. Provide coaching, feedback, and tools to drive success. Ensure BDMs are fully equipped to execute on their responsibilities. Travel according to the needs of the business as and when necessary. Ensure alignment the strategies with the company’s overall objectives, adapt as necessary based on market conditions.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders throughout the business to align strategy and tactics that support commercial growth and partner with
  • BDMs to optimize processes and workflows. Leverage technology, tools, and best practices to enhance the overall productivity and performance of the BDMS.
  • Operations and Logistics to ensure alignment between commercial strategies and operational capabilities.
  • Marketing to ensure that marketing initiatives and brand strategies align with the commercial objectives and target markets.
• Regularly report on performance, market trends, and challenges, provide clear and actionable insights to executives. The Commercial Manager is the key point of contact between the BDM team and the Commercial Director.
• Risk Management: Make critical decisions on risk exposure, manage debt collection processes, and establish clear payment terms. Proactively assess potential risks, determine appropriate actions to minimize financial losses, and negotiate favorable payment terms with clients to ensure timely and efficient collections.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong data literacy: interpreting numbers, identifying trends, and spotting anomalies. Financial and analytical mindset: ROI, forecasting, modelling, budgeting and rapid mental math and accuracy under pressure.
• Team Management: to set clear goals, develop talent, drive accountability, and foster a culture of continuous learning and high performance. Performance dashboards and cadence and professional communication.
• Core people skills: exceptional relationship‑building, trust cultivation, and stakeholder enablement.
• Cross‑functional coordination.

COMPUTER LITERACY

• Advanced Excel (pivot, v lookup/index‑match, modeling), PowerPoint presentation and Word.

EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) years experience as a Commercial Manager or Business Development Manager position.
• Experience with exports, logistics, or supply chain.
• Track record of strategic growth, team performance, and managing complex, multi‑departmental projects.
• Analytical skills, communication and problem‑solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.