Stefanutti Stocks Africa is looking for a strategically minded Commercial Director to join our Africa Operations team. The Commercial Director will provide commercial leadership and oversight across regional projects, ensuring robust contract management, cost control, risk mitigation, and profitability optimisation across multiple jurisdictions.

Working closely with Regional Leadership, Managing Directors, and Finance Teams, the role will oversee end-to-end commercial management including tendering, contract negotiation, claims management, cost management, and commercial reporting. The position requires strong site engagement and cross-border collaboration within Africa.

The incumbent will play a key role in driving commercial governance, managing contractual risk, improving margins, and supporting sustainable business growth across construction and engineering projects. This role requires a commercially astute leader who can operate effectively in complex, multi-site, and cross-border environments.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Law, or related field
• Postgraduate qualification in Commercial Management or MBA would be an added advantage
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior commercial or quantity surveying role
• SA Council of the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) registration is advantageous
• Extensive experience within construction, engineering, or large-scale project environments
• Proven experience managing multi-site and cross-border projects across Africa
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC, NEC, JBCC or similar contract forms
• Willingness and ability to travel across African operations as required
• Advanced proficiency in Buildsmart and MS Office (particularly Excel)
• In depth knowledge of Construction Computer Software (CCS)

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of contract management, commercial governance, and risk mitigation
• Experience in leading design build and EPC projects
• Proven capability in managing claims, variations, and dispute resolution processes
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to interpret project financial reports and margin analysis
• Experience with project cash flow forecasting and working capital management
• Experience in business development and strategic planning
• Ability to identify commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work in high-pressure, site-based environments
• Strong leadership capability with the ability to mentor and develop commercial teams
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee commercial management across regional projects
• Provide commercial input during tendering and bid evaluation processes
• Review and negotiate contracts with clients, sub-contractors and suppliers, ensuring alignment with company risk appetite and compliance with project specifications and legal requirements
• Manage contract administration including variations, claims, and dispute resolution
• Monitor project commercial performance and margin optimisation
• Ensure effective cost control and forecasting throughout the project lifecycle
• Oversee subcontractor commercial management and payment certifications
• Partner with Finance and Operations to ensure accurate commercial reporting
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks across projects
• Strengthen commercial governance, policies, and controls across the region
• Support strategic growth initiatives and expansion across Africa