Job Specification: Commercial Manager – Zambia

Location: Lusaka, Zambia (Permanent)
Sector: Engineering, Technical & Sustainable Construction
Reports to: Regional Director / CEO

The Opportunity

We are looking for a dynamic Commercial Manager to join the SUSCON team in Zambia. In this pivotal, client-facing role, you will be responsible for driving business growth, ensuring financial performance, and managing all operational and commercial aspects of our business across the region.
You will work closely with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver outstanding results and shape the future of our commercial operations. This position requires a strong focus on top-line growth, profitability, and operational excellence. If you are a proactive individual with a passion for driving commercial success and building a sustainable, high-performing business, we want to hear from you.

What You Will Be Doing

• Commercial Strategy & Performance: Take full responsibility for business and financial performance in Zambia, ensuring sustainable growth and the achievement of ambitious financial targets.
• Project Lifecycle Management: Manage all commercial aspects of projects within the engineering and technical sectors, from initial tender through to final account.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, inspire, and mentor a high-performing team of Contracts Administrators, Contracts Managers, and Project Managers, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
• Contractual Excellence: Ensure all contracts are managed efficiently and in strict compliance with local regulations and international best practices.
• Stakeholder Management: Develop and maintain robust, long-term relationships with clients, suppliers, and distributors, negotiating high-value contracts and delivering value-added solutions.
• Market Intelligence: Analyze market trends and identify new business opportunities, leveraging insights to capitalize on growth sectors in the Zambian economy.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee regional operations including supply chains, inventories, and asset tracking to ensure efficiency and alignment with global standards.

What You Will Bring

• Experience: A minimum of 6–7+ years of relevant experience in commercial management, business development, or operational leadership within construction, mining, or engineering.
• Contractual Expertise: Essential mastery of FIDIC and JBCC contract suites. A proven track record in rigorous contract management is non-negotiable.
• Educational Background: Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or Finance. A Quantity Surveying (QS) qualification or experience is highly beneficial.
• Leadership: Strong leadership abilities with a demonstrated track record of managing and stabilizing business units in challenging, dynamic environments.
• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated P&L responsibility, with the ability to manage budgets, optimize return on investment, and drive top-line growth.
• Communication: Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with everyone from site teams to executive stakeholders.

How You Shape and Influence Others

• Integrity & Character: Possess an unquestioned reputation for ethics, personal values, and accountability.
• Resilience: Demonstrate courage and flexibility when navigating the complexities of the African business landscape.
• Strategic Thinking: Work effectively across business unit boundaries to develop and align diverse stakeholders toward a common goal.
• Precision: Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, especially regarding financial reporting and contractual compliance.
• Self-Awareness: Open to feedback and committed to continuous personal and professional improvement.