Commercial Manager

?? Take Your Career Global: Lead Sales Operations at the Heart of International Trade ?
Location: Export Sales Office | Role Type: Full-Time | Team Leadership + Global Scope

We're hiring for one of the most exciting commercial roles in our client's business – a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership position within their Export Sales office. If you have a passion for international trade, commercial contracts, and high-performing teams, this is your moment.

? Why This Role Stands Out:
You’ll be the strategic anchor for all things sales administration and commercial contract management. From overseeing complex deal structures and trade finance to leading a driven and dynamic Sales Admin team, this is a chance to blend operational excellence with international impact.

You’ll work closely with Business Development Managers and Sales Account Managers, negotiating large-scale international contracts, shaping finance solutions, and ensuring world-class customer service delivery across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

?? Your Key Responsibilities:

?? Commercial Contract Management

• Own the full lifecycle of commercial contracts – from drafting to negotiation and compliance.
• Shape strategies around letters of credit, bonds, and structured trade finance in partnership with the Group Centre of Excellence.
• Stay ahead of the curve on Incoterms, global export/import laws, and international compliance requirements.
• Project manage the commercial and logistical aspects of major deals from tender through delivery.

• Ensure seamless order processing, from supplier engagement to customer payment.
• Oversee bank guarantees, credit terms, and global logistics.
• Produce high-impact reports (sales forecasts, debtor updates, monthly dashboards) to guide senior leadership decisions.
• Work closely with banks, Export Credit Agencies, freight forwarders, and other key stakeholders.

• Lead, inspire and grow a Sales Admin team of 8, with 2 direct supervisor reports.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and development.
• Drive process efficiency, track KPIs, and champion a high-performance culture.
• Manage team budgets and succession planning with an eye on strategic growth.

• Proven experience in international trade, export sales, and commercial contracts
• Strong command of banking and financial instruments in a global trade setting
• Experience leading and developing high-performing admin or customer service teams
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and a solutions-focused mindset
• Bonus: Exposure to engineering or industrial businesses serving Africa and the Middle East
• Graduate Membership of the Institute of Export (IOE) a plus

• Internal: Management, Sales, Finance, Credit Control
• Group: Logistics, Legal, Compliance, Finance COEs
• External: Global customers, freight and logistics partners, international banks, chambers of commerce