Deputy Commercial Manager

Responsibilities:

• Articulates and coordinates the implementation of business development, marketing policies, strategies, and plans to enhance the performance of the company’s service offerings, brand, product/service profitability, and improve return on investments.
• Coordinates with management to research, identify, analyze, and execute new business initiatives, review and improvise relevant business development activities.
• Evaluates, collects, and collates customer requirements and business data to create a business plan.
• Implement business relationships and partnerships through direct meetings with customers and industry personnel.
• Work with internal departments and external partners to execute business plans and strategies.
• Build strong relationships with existing and potential clients for new opportunities.
• Creates business development strategies to increase the company's revenue and brand value.
• Research market trends to identify the customer demand for the company’s proposed services.
• Supports management in contract development, customer negotiations, and service enhancements.
• Initiates and coordinates development of annual marketing plans and budgets.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge on relevant market trends and innovations, client needs, expectations, and opportunities, as well as shifts in the competitive landscape.
• Builds relationships with clients to establish new contracts and develops strong relationships with different departments within the company to ensure everyone is working toward the same targets and goals.
• Ensures stakeholders adhere to and understand contractual obligations and determines when processes violate regulations. Assesses risks and makes recommendations based on analysis of all factors affecting a business situation.
• Leads, performs and coordinates all marketing and business development activities, including market research, product development, pricing, sales, advertising, and promotion.
• Defines marketing objectives for the marketing team, sets performance targets and monitors achievements against set targets.
• Formulates and implements approved pricing, credit policies and programmes to increase profitability, enhance market presence and competitive performance of ICNL service offerings.
• Advice management on marketing matters (New products/services, potential opportunities, implications of industry and market development /trends, branding, advertisement, etc.)
• Communicates and represents the organization to existing customers, potential customers, the public, government, promotional activities such as trade shows and association meetings, and other external sources in the industry.
• Leads the development of pricing strategies and negotiations of price and service level agreements with customers.
• Engages in market/consumer research & survey initiatives to support marketing efforts, monitor customer preferences/ satisfaction and identify new markets.
• Liaises with organizations and encourages their longer-term involvement with ICNL through good client account management and ensuring excellent client relations.
• Liaises with heads of SBUs/Heads of Operations to ensure a high level of customer service delivery and timely response to customer requests & complaints.
• Tracks competitor activities and develops appropriate strategies to protect and enhance the company’s market share.
• Develops and maintains a network with relevant business communities, interest groups, and public agencies to identify opportunities for ICNL within and outside Nigeria.
• Assesses marketing potential of new and existing locations, considering statistics and expenditures, and makes recommendations to management for implementation.
• Monitors and reports on key market trends and competitors’ initiatives and benchmarks ICNL’s marketing strategies with those of its competitors and buyers.
• Coordinates proper record keeping of all commercial-related transactions.
• Identifies areas for cost reductions and implements strategies for cost reduction and improved efficiency.
• Provides guidance and manages the performance of personnel within the commercial function, ensuring productivity and optimal utilization.
• Coaches, mentors, and develops staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities.
• Reports to the Head, Operations on all marketing activities, stating progress against set goals, objectives, and targets

Requirements:

• Minimum of a first degree/ HND in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Social Sciences, or any other relevant disciplines.
• Minimum of 8 years cognate experience in a commercial role within the industry, 3 of which should have been at a management level.
• MBA or relevant master’s degree is required.
• Membership in the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) or any other relevant professional certification is an advantage
• Job knowledge/technical expertise and Relationship management skills 
• Commercial Awareness (Business Savvy; Growth Focus) and Customer Centricity (Expectations, relationships, data)
• Industry and product knowledge
• Self-management/Emotional intelligence
• Leading, empowering and managing performance of others 
• Communication skills, Negotiation, Resilience, Persuasion & Influencing skills, and Attention to detail.