Chief Commercial Officer – Executive Leadership Role

About the role

This senior executive position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the Board and the executive leadership team. The role is responsible for shaping and executing the commercial strategy of a leading infrastructure and logistics business that operates a strategically important maritime asset in Africa.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a commercial strategy that drives long‑term growth, profitability and market positioning across port operations, container terminals, logistics, warehousing, shipping and value‑added supply‑chain services.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, building strategic relationships with shipping lines, cargo owners, freight forwarders, logistics providers, government authorities and key partners.
• Lead commercial negotiations, contract management, pricing strategies and major customer agreements.
• Drive customer acquisition, retention and service excellence while aligning commercial activities with operational capabilities.
• Provide commercial insight and strategic advice to support investment decisions, expansion projects and new service offerings.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and regional trade developments to uncover growth opportunities.
• Oversee commercial performance management through KPIs, forecasting, reporting and business intelligence.
• Build, develop and lead a high‑performing commercial team with a strong customer‑focused culture.
• Support digital transformation initiatives, including CRM optimisation and commercial analytics.
• Represent the company with customers, investors, government agencies and industry stakeholders.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial Director, Chief Business Officer or equivalent senior commercial executive.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering revenue growth and profitability in complex, asset‑intensive organisations.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to align commercial initiatives with operational and investment plans.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience negotiating with large shipping lines, freight forwarders and government bodies.
• Leadership experience building and managing high‑performing commercial teams.

Required skills