Commercial Manager

Position SummaryGEI Power Zambia Limited is seeking a high-impact Commercial Manager to build, lead, and scale its commercial function from the ground up. This is not a maintenance role. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating the commercial engine of the business — establishing systems, developing revenue pipelines, structuring deals and driving aggressive business growth within the energy sector.The role requires a hands-on, execution-driven leader who thrives in ambiguity, takes ownership and delivers measurable commercial outcomes in a startup-like environment.Core Mandate (What You Are Actually Being Hired To Do)Build the Commercial Department from zero to full functionalityGenerate revenue and secure strategic contractsEstablish commercial systems, policies and reporting structuresDrive profitability and commercial discipline across the businessKey Responsibilities1. Department Setup & Capability Building (Non-Negotiable)Establish and structure the Commercial Department, including roles, workflows and reporting linesDevelop and implement commercial policies, procedures and approval frameworksDesign contract management systems, templates and documentation standardsBuild commercial reporting tools and performance tracking systems2. Commercial Strategy & Business GrowthDevelop and execute a clear, aggressive commercial strategy aligned with company growth objectivesIdentify and secure new business opportunities, partnerships and revenue streamsBuild and manage a robust commercial pipeline from lead generation to deal closureLead tendering, bidding and proposal development for projects and service contractsConduct market intelligence, competitor analysis and pricing strategy development3. Contracting & Deal StructuringLead all commercial negotiations with clients, suppliers and partnersStructure commercially viable and risk-balanced agreementsEstablish contract governance processes and lifecycle management systemsOversee claims, variations and dispute resolution4. Financial & Commercial PerformanceDefine pricing models, cost structures and revenue optimization strategiesDrive profitability across projects and operationsWork closely with Finance on budgeting, forecasting and margin improvementIdentify inefficiencies and enforce cost discipline5. Stakeholder & Market EngagementBuild and manage relationships with clients, government entities, utilities and key industry playersRepresent GEI Power in high-level commercial engagements and negotiationsPosition the company as a competitive and credible player in the energy sector6. Risk Management & ComplianceIdentify and mitigate commercial, contractual and operational risksEnsure compliance with legal, regulatory and company requirementsImplement risk management frameworks for all commercial activities7. Leadership & Culture BuildingBuild, lead and scale a results-driven commercial teamDefine team structure and hiring roadmap aligned with growth targetsInstill a performance culture focused on revenue, accountability and executionDrive cross-functional alignment with technical, finance and operations teamsQualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Economics, Quantity Surveying, or related fieldMaster’s Degree or professional qualification is an advantageExperienceMinimum 5–8 years in commercial, business development or revenue-generating rolesProven experience in building or scaling commercial functions (this is critical — not optional)Strong background in contract negotiation, deal structuring and financial managementExperience in energy, infrastructure, engineering, or construction sectors is highly preferredSkills & CompetenciesStrong commercial and financial acumenExceptional negotiation and deal-closing abilityStrategic thinking with execution biasAbility to build systems and processes from scratchStrong leadership and team-building capabilityHigh level of ownership, resilience and accountabilityExcellent stakeholder management and communication skills