Senior Commercial Manager - Southern & Eastern Africa

Are you an experienced commercial professional with a background in project logistics, heavy transport or project cargo shipping? Do you have the network and technical understanding needed to identify opportunities, develop client relationships and secure complex transport projects in Southern & Eastern Africa?

For our growing activities in Southern and Eastern Africa, we are looking for a Senior Commercial Manager to develop commercial opportunities for Roll Group’s land transport, maritime transport, heavy lift and logistics services. You will work closely with clients, the Managing Directors, and colleagues across our global organization to secure new projects and further strengthen our position in the region.

Company

Roll Group offers a total solution for the transportation, lifting and installation of heavy cargo. Our land/sea combination enables us to offer ‘Factory to Foundation’ solutions. With engineering capabilities, a broad & diverse asset base and the ability to adapt, Roll Group takes care of heavy cargo and provides effective, innovative and sustainable services using our unique know-how.

Roll Group owns a versatile heavy-transport seagoing fleet consisting of dock-type vessels, which all have the option of three loading modes – Ro-Ro, Flo-Flo and Lo-Lo – as well as deck carriers. On the land side, Roll Group operates a large number of modern heavy-lift cranes with capacities of up to 4,000 tonnes, Self-Propelled Modular Trailers (SPMTs) and conventional trailers. The specific characteristics of Roll Group’s asset base ensure the ability to serve a wide range of markets, such as Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Mining, Power and Petrochemical.

Position

As Senior Commercial Manager, you are responsible for developing Roll Group’s commercial activities in Southern and Eastern Africa. You identify and pursue new business opportunities, build & maintain relationships with existing and potential clients and guide opportunities from the initial contact through tendering, contract negotiation and handover to Operations.

You understand the commercial as well as the technical side of complex transport and lifting projects. Together with Engineering, Operations, Legal and other commercial teams, you develop technically feasible and commercially competitive solutions that meet client requirements.

You will also play an important role in market intelligence, account development and commercial strategy. As a senior member of the team, you contribute to the development of colleagues and support the Managing Directors in strengthening and growing the African business.

Key responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain and improve relationships with existing and potential clients by understanding their needs and demonstrating the value Roll Group can offer.
• Develop and present an annual client visit schedule for the assigned sales region and review this quarterly with the Managing Directors.
• Identify, develop and pursue opportunities for land and/or maritime transport, heavy lift and logistics services within and outside the assigned region.
• Develop innovative solutions and maximize value generation for the business.
• Work closely with global colleagues to communicate, coordinate and pursue commercial opportunities across regions and business units.
• Develop and maintain project target lists and ensure that all client, contact and project information is accurately recorded in Roll Group’s CRM system.
• Conduct market and competitor analyses and translate the findings into concrete commercial opportunities for Roll Group.
• Prepare and coordinate project-related documentation, including pre-qualifications, voyage or transport calculations, indications, offers and tender documents.
• Plan and conduct regular client meetings and develop and maintain key accounts where required.
• Work together with the Legal team and the Managing Directors on contract management, commercial negotiations and the follow-up of complex files.
• Ensure an effective handover of awarded contracts to the Operations team.

Your qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Engineering, Logistics or an equivalent field.
• At least 7–10 years of relevant experience in a similar commercial position.
• Experience working in Southern and/or Eastern Africa, or elsewhere in Africa, is strongly preferred.
• A proven track record in senior-level sales and/or account management.
• In-depth knowledge of engineering, contracts and/or project management.
• Experience in heavy transport, heavy lifting or project cargo shipping is preferred. Candidates with a strong project cargo background and the willingness to develop further within heavy transport and heavy lifting are also encouraged to apply.
• Technical sales capability, including performing project calculations for bidding purposes, is an advantage.
• Strong commercial, communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Portuguese is considered an advantage.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the region and internationally.
• Preferably based in the southern African region or willing to relocate to the region under local employment conditions.

What we offer

A challenging and varied full-time position within a fast-growing international company, with a high degree of flexibility, responsibility and freedom.

We offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package, aligned with the local market and based on your knowledge, experience and the requirements of the role. Further details will be discussed during the recruitment process.

We value teamwork and connection and regularly organize social and team activities across the organization.

Our selection process

The recruitment process will include two interviews, which may be scheduled back-to-back and can take place in person or online. Employment terms and the benefits package will be discussed at a later stage. We aim to complete the process within four weeks.

We want to hear from you

Interested in applying? Send us your application via the button to the right.

Acquisition from recruitment agencies regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.

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