COMMERCIAL MANAGER

On behalf of our client, we are looking for a proactive and commercially driven Commercial Manager to spearhead its new Commercial Department. The core objective of this role is to drive profitable transport volumes, secure new contracts, optimize pricing and margins, build robust client relationships, and develop a high-performing commercial team within approved budgets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development & Revenue Growth 

• Identify and secure opportunities in bulk transportation, including cement, coal, clinker, aggregates, mining and industrial commodities. 

• Develop relationships with manufacturers, mines, construction companies and industrial customers. 

• Lead prospecting, tenders, quotations, negotiations and contract acquisition. 

• Increase profitable cargo volumes and explore suitable regional and cross-border opportunities.

2. Pricing & Profitability

• Develop competitive rates based on route costs, capacity and contribution margins.

•  Work with Finance and Operations to assess customer and route profitability. 

• Negotiate sound payment terms, minimum volumes, detention charges and rate adjustments. 

• Identify return-load opportunities and avoid commercially unattractive contracts.

3. Department Leadership

• Develop a commercial strategy, team structure, staffing proposal, budget and operating procedures. 

• Recruit and manage an effective commercial team, subject to management approval.

• Set team targets, reporting standards and performance reviews.

4. Customer & Contract Management

• Maintain and grow key customer relationships and monitor contract delivery. 

• Coordinate with Dispatch and Operations to align customer orders with available fleet capacity. 

• Support resolution of customer disputes and collection-related commercial issues.

5. Planning & Reporting

• Maintain a qualified sales pipeline and forecast transport volumes.

• Report weekly and monthly on revenue, tonnage, margins, new business and customer performance.

• Monitor market trends, competitors and growth opportunities.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in sales, business development, commercial operations, or logistics (background in transport or bulk-haulage is a strong plus, 
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills; 
• solid grasp of pricing, cost analysis, and profitability; 
• proficiency in Microsoft Excel; and excellent communication, leadership, and results-oriented drive.