Commercial Manager

Bright City Talent; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright City Talent in South Africa seeks a Commercial Manager to lead the commercial and programme execution for defence-sector contracts and strategic engagements. You will drive planning, cost control, and cross-functional delivery to meet client expectations.

You will manage the contract lifecycle, negotiate variations, and lead risk management, governance, and compliance. A senior candidate with 8–15 years in defence/aerospace/security is preferred and PMBOK/MBA credentials are valued.

Qualifications

• 8 to 15 years in programme, project, or commercial management.
• Defence, aerospace, security or advanced manufacturing sector experience preferred.
• PMBOK or equivalent certification and MBA/postgraduate qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution and delivery of programmes while managing costs, schedules and compliance.
• Oversee full contract lifecycle including negotiations, variations and financial performance.
• Act as primary contact for clients, lead executive briefings and support business development.
• Own lifecycle risk management, governance frameworks, and export control compliance.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and drive accountability, integrity and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Contract law

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/Commerce

PMBOK

MBA

Job description

The Commercial Manager is responsible for leading the commercial and programme execution activities associated with defence-sector contracts, projects, and strategic customer engagements.

Responsibilities & Key Functions

• Programme & Project Management: Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of programmes while managing costs, schedules, technical compliance, and cross-functional teams.

• Commercial Management: Oversee the full contract lifecycle—including negotiations, variations, dispute management, pricing strategies, and financial performance (revenue, margins, and cash flow).

• Customer & Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external clients, lead executive briefings, and support business development initiatives.

• Risk, Compliance & Governance: Own lifecycle risk management, implement governance frameworks, and ensure strict compliance with defence industry regulations, export controls, and HSSE standards.

• Leadership & Team Management: Lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor stakeholders, and foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and operational excellence.

Key Requirements & Qualifications

• Qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Management, or Commerce, supplemented by a Project Management qualification (PMBOK certification), commercial/contract management training, and an MBA or postgraduate qualification.

• Experience: 8 to 15 years of experience in programme, project, or commercial management, specifically within the defence, aerospace, security, or advanced manufacturing sectors.

• Skills & Attributes: Strong leadership and strategic capability, high commercial acumen, deep understanding of defence operating environments and contract law, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

• Security & Compliance: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain required security clearances and comply with all organisational security, confidentiality, and export control standards.

This role will suit an experienced professional with 8 to 15 years in defence, aerospace, or security programme and commercial management. Someone with strong contract negotiation, and strategic account management skills could excel in this role.