Commercial Manager

Network Finance; Durban North; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a Commercial Manager (Special Projects) to partner with executive leadership, driving strategic investigations, commercial initiatives, and cross‑divisional improvement programs in a large South African business.

This role sits at the intersection of finance, strategy and project delivery, requiring strong analytical abilities, advanced financial modelling, and the influence skills to shape decisions across multiple functions.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of relevant experience in: Commercial Management, Corporate Strategy, Business Analysis, Financial Management, Management Consulting, Business Improvement, Project Leadership
• Demonstrated experience building business cases and conducting commercial evaluations
• Experience engaging with senior executives and key stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Investigate financial, operational and commercial performance across the business
• Lead high-impact strategic projects from concept through implementation
• Develop and challenge business cases and financial models
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and performance
• Prepare concise executive reports and recommendations

Skills

Commercial acumen

Executive communication

Financial modelling

Stakeholder influence

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Commerce/Finance

MBA or postgraduate qualification

Job description

If you're the type of professional who enjoys solving complex business challenges, building compelling commercial cases, and partnering with executive leadership on high-impact initiatives, then this opportunity could be your next career-defining move.

A large and rapidly evolving South African business is seeking a Commercial Manager (Special Projects) to work closely with executive leadership, driving strategic investigations, commercial initiatives, and business improvement projects across multiple divisions.

This is not a traditional finance, strategy, or project management role. It sits at the intersection of all three. You'll be tasked with tackling some of the business's most important challenges, identifying opportunities for growth and efficiency, and delivering recommendations that directly influence strategic decision-making at the highest level.

Why This Opportunity?

This role offers exposure few positions can match. One week, you may be evaluating a new business opportunity or acquisition. The next, you could be leading a cost optimisation initiative, investigating operational inefficiencies, or assessing the commercial viability of a major strategic project. You'll have the opportunity to work across multiple business functions while partnering directly with senior executives and key stakeholders throughout the organization. For ambitious professionals looking to move beyond a single business unit and develop a broad commercial skillset, this role provides exceptional visibility and long-term career potential.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Analysis & Business Performance

• Investigate financial, operational, and commercial performance across the business


• Analyse profitability, revenue streams, cost structures, and business drivers


• Identify root causes of performance challenges and provide actionable recommendations


• Conduct detailed commercial assessments to support executive decision-making

Strategic Projects

• Lead high-impact projects from concept through implementation


• Define project objectives, scope, timelines, and success measures


• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders


• Manage project risks, dependencies, and delivery milestones

Business Cases & Investment Evaluations

• Develop and challenge business cases for strategic initiatives


• Build financial models and cost-benefit analyses


• Evaluate commercial feasibility, risks, returns, and implementation requirements


• Assess partnership, supplier, and investment opportunities

Business Improvement & Cost Optimisation

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and business performance


• Review processes, resource utilisation, and expenditure


• Drive initiatives that deliver measurable commercial benefits


• Track performance improvements and validate achieved outcomes

Strategic Growth Initiatives

• Assess opportunities for new products, services, markets, and ventures


• Conduct market and competitor research


• Support preliminary evaluations of partnerships, acquisitions, and expansion opportunities


• Assist in developing business plans and growth strategies

Executive Reporting

• Prepare concise executive reports, presentations, and recommendations


• Translate complex data into clear commercial insights


• Provide independent analysis and strategic perspectives


• Support executive leadership with confidential and time-sensitive assignments

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Management, or a related field


• Postgraduate qualification, MBA, or professional designation advantageous


• Project Management or Business Analysis certifications beneficial

Experience

• 5-8 years of relevant experience in:


• Commercial Management


• Corporate Strategy


• Business Analysis


• Financial Management


• Management Consulting


• Business Improvement


• Project Leadership

• Demonstrated experience building business cases and conducting commercial evaluations


• Proven ability to manage complex projects independently


• Strong exposure to:


• Financial analysis


• Budgeting and forecasting


• Profitability assessments


• Investment evaluations


• Strategic planning

• Experience engaging with senior executives and key stakeholders


• Exposure to large, fast-paced, or diversified organizations will be highly advantageous

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be:

• Commercially astute and strategically minded


• Comfortable navigating complex business challenges


• Highly analytical with strong financial modelling capabilities


• Confident engaging with executives and leadership teams


• Able to influence decisions through insight and fact-based recommendations


• Naturally curious and solutions-focused


• Comfortable operating independently in ambiguous environments


• Effective at balancing strategic thinking with practical execution

What's in It for You?

This role provides a rare opportunity to work directly on business-critical projects with high visibility across the organization. You'll gain exposure to executive-level decision-making, lead transformative initiatives, and play a meaningful role in shaping commercial outcomes across a large and dynamic business. For professionals who thrive on variety, challenge, and impact, this represents an outstanding opportunity to accelerate career growth while building broad commercial and strategic experience.