Senior Manager: Commercial

In brief

Overview This role is for a Senior Manager: Commercial at The South African Weather Service (SAWS). The primary purpose of this position is to develop and implement SAWS's commercial strategy, aiming to grow and sustain non-regulated revenue generation. The role ensures that these strategies remain relevant to local and international trends and customer requirements, thus contributing to the entity's sustainability. The Total Cost to Company (TCTC) salary range for this position is R 1,134,843 – R 1,508,244. What you will do * Contribute to overall SAWS strategic and business planning discussions, ensuring a relevant and applicable non-statutory commercial strategy is in place, implemented, and understood by the Management team and Commercial Partners. * Target key customers and manage lead processes to completion to grow commercial revenue. * Liaise with users and key customers to understand specific requirements and communicate these to internal stakeholders and service providers for fit-for-purpose solutions. * Lead market review to establish profitable strategic commercial partnerships and manage relationships against growth objectives in non-statutory commercial revenue. * Ensure understanding of SAWS’ products, services, and brand propositions by current, new, and potential customers. * Lead the preparation and submission of relevant tender documents and participate in contract negotiations. * Collaborate with other stakeholders to compile and build applicable and competitive commercial models for specific client proposals. * Conduct market research and benchmarks to ensure a competitive pricing model. * Collaborate with SAWS internal stakeholders in testing products and services and identifying potential customers. * Manage tracking and reporting of the commercial strategy, including implementation of applicable sub-strategies to change and extend the commercial mindset. * Track a lead pipeline per weather-sensitive sector and product category to confirm revenue potential and financial revenue targets annually. * Manage the department’s budget and monitor revenue against targets. * Effectively monitor commercial financial evaluations, customer analysis, market and organisational capabilities, and comprehensive customer contract management to ensure SAWS meets its revenue and profitability objectives. * Continuously stay abreast of market and international trends which may impact the organisation's commercial initiatives/plans. * Manage the on-boarding of new customers and provide account management for key customers and contracts. * Work cross-functionally to manage customer and partner impacts when datafeed, system, and equipment outages occur, until issues are resolved. * Implement programmes/projects for key customers against tender or customer requirements. * Ensure that the organisation delivers products/services in line with its commercial contracts. * Develop and implement strategies for the retention of customers and commercial partners. * Establish execution of governance, risk, and compliance frameworks for the function, in line with the overall risk management framework. * Develop and implement commercial related policies and procedures and ensure these are known by and accessible to relevant stakeholders. * Facilitate the development of pricing processes or price change requests. * Establish and maintain system-related documents relevant to commercial activities. * Work with the finance team to develop the department’s annual targets and monitor the performance of commercial activities using key metrics for various stakeholders. * Collaborate with the Legal team and other internal stakeholders to develop relevant commercial contracts and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for all key stakeholders. * Ensure that all Contracts are relevant and up-to-date and include relevant service level agreements (SLAs) if required. * Collaborate with and coordinate diverse teams (Marketing, Research and Development, Regional, ICT etc.) to manage existing and new key customers and their requirements, thereby improving turnover and profitability. * Participate in relevant initiatives that seek to position the organisation as a recognized and preferred meteorological and climate information provider of choice in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. * Develop and maintain high-level strategic relationships and networks with key stakeholders in the meteorological industry, government agencies, global companies, and other relevant functions. * Maintain a good working team relationship with all internal and external stakeholders. * Keep up to date with any legislative requirements with respect to aviation, marine, and other specialized meteorological products and services. * Provide inputs into appropriate resource management processes and practices, including skills development of customer facing members in line with the commercial strategy. * Effectively lead and manage the department by maintaining a motivated team to deliver on the SAWS mandate within allocated resources and ensure that signed performance agreements are assessed annually. * Ensure skills transfer and the development of team members within the department, through mentoring, technical and business training, and challenging assignments that build confidence and demonstrate the team's ability to make significant contributions to the organisation. * Promote a culture and practices that reflect the SAWS values. Requirements (from the original advert) * **Required Minimum Education/Training:** * A Post-Graduate Degree in Sales/Marketing/Commerce. * **Required Minimum Work Experience:** * Minimum of 10 years experience in commercial, business development, and customer-facing roles within a scientific, technical, meteorological, environmental, and or science-driven organisation. * Demonstrated experience in identifying, segmenting and developing weather- and climate-sensitive markets and sectors including the commercialising of scientific and technical products and services, strategic partnerships, strategic engagement, and revenue generation within a science- or data-driven organisation. * Experience in developing and implementing commercial strategies, business plans, and organisational prioritisation frameworks in a scientific or technical environment. * Experience working with relevant digital technologies, data platforms, CRM systems, analytic tools and digital customer engagement solutions. * Proven experience in Customer Relations Management, including managing strategic clients, public-sector stakeholders, research partners, and commercial customers. * Proven track record in building, leading and managing high-performing multidisciplinary and customer focused team. * At least 5 years people management experience. * Experience in a public sector would be an added advantage. * Knowledge of the PFMA, the SAWS and the National Credit Acts and all other regulations governing a Section 3A Public Entity. * **Technical and Behavioural Competencies Required:** * Prospecting and Interpersonal selling skills * Document Management * Product Research and Development * Budgeting * Financial analytical skills and business acumen * Knowledge of industry standards, best practices, and trends in the discipline. * Innovation and creativity * Leadership * Influencing and Negotiation Skills * Conflict management skills * Networking and Collaboration * Results driven * Problem Solving * Excellent Communication skills (Written and verbal/ presentation skills) * Maintaining confidentiality * Ability to work after hours. Who should apply This role is ideal for a seasoned commercial and business development professional with a Post-Graduate Degree in Sales/Marketing/Commerce and a minimum of 10 years of experience, particularly within scientific, technical, meteorological, environmental, or science-driven organisations. The candidate should possess demonstrated expertise in identifying and developing weather- and climate-sensitive markets, commercialising scientific products, and driving revenue generation through strategic partnerships. Proven experience in developing and implementing commercial strategies, business plans, and organisational prioritisation frameworks is essential, alongside familiarity with digital technologies, CRM systems, and analytical tools. A strong track record in Customer Relations Management, including managing diverse client types, is required. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with at least 5 years of people management experience, capable of building and managing high-performing, customer-focused teams. Knowledge of public sector regulations (e.g., PFMA) is beneficial. Strong technical and behavioural competencies in leadership, negotiation, communication, financial acumen, and problem-solving, with a results-driven and collaborative approach, are critical. Deadline 30th October, 2026 Reference Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/senior-manager-commercial-the-south-african-weather-service-saws Source: myjobmag

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