Commercial Manager – Contracts and Tenders

 

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Commercial Manager with extensive experience in handling tenders within the South African public sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, managing and securing government tenders, ensuring full compliance with public procurement regulations and policies.

This role also involves compiling and reviewing customer and subcontractor agreements, SLAs, joint venture agreements and contracts. Strong strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, project management and risk management capabilities are essential.

A deep understanding of South African procurement legislation is required, including:
PFMA, MFMA, PPPFA and the B-BBEE Act.

Key Responsibilities

Tender Management

• Identify and evaluate public sector tender opportunities
• Monitor procurement trends and competitor activity
• Develop bid / no-bid decision frameworks
• Lead end-to-end tender preparation and submission

Bid Preparation

• Interpret tender documentation and requirements
• Coordinate inputs from legal, finance, technical and operations teams
• Compile technical, financial and compliance documentation
• Ensure statutory compliance (tax clearance, CSD, B-BBEE, etc.)
• Develop business models and pricing structures

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure compliance with all public procurement legislation and regulations
• Conduct financial, operational and contractual risk assessments
• Maintain audit-ready documentation

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with public sector stakeholders
• Represent the organisation at briefings and site meetings
• Align internal teams on pricing and contract commitments

Financial & Pricing Strategy

• Develop competitive pricing strategies
• Analyse costs, supplier quotes and market trends
• Ensure profitability and compliance with public sector pricing expectations

Reporting & Performance

• Track tender outcomes and success rates
• Maintain tender registers
• Prepare management reports and improvement strategies

Contract & Document Management

• Manage tender documentation repositories
• Compile and review contracts, SLAs and subcontractor agreements

Post-Tender

• Support contract negotiations and project handovers

Requirements Qualifications

• Matric / NQF equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Engineering, Law or related field

Experience

• 10–15 years’ experience in tender management (public sector)
• Proven success in winning and managing government tenders
• Experience with FIDIC / NEC3 / GCC contracts
• Strong knowledge of RFI, RFQ and RFP processes
• Experience in compliance, bid evaluations and contract management
• Advanced MS Excel and Word
• Proficiency in tender platforms
• Knowledge of commercial operations within the technology sector
• Valid driver’s licence

Skills & Competencies

• High attention to detail
• Strong project management and organisational ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Strong administration skills
• Professional, diplomatic and approachable
• Willingness to travel