Commercial Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Zambia.

📋 Description

• Develop the commercial strategy, contracting methodology, procurement and market engagement plans, as well as contractor management practices for the Mingomba copper project.

• Manage the entire commercial pathway from Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and engineering implementation through package strategy, tendering, negotiation, award, contract management, contractor performance evaluation, transition to operations, and commercial closure.

• Create commercial policies, define approval thresholds, establish procurement gates, implement contract governance, set tender review schedules, make award recommendations, manage change controls, claims processes, and vendor management routines.

• Formulate the project delivery model and contracting strategy by evaluating options such as EPC, EPCM, design-and-build, owner-managed, and hybrid approaches.

• Drive commercial contributions to project, executive, and technical forums, ensuring transparency regarding contracting and procurement status, market insights, contractor risks, cost implications, and package readiness.

• Collaborate with the Senior Engineering & Integration Manager under a predetermined division of authority.

• Create the commercial plan for engineering, construction, and the transition to operational phases.

• Direct contractor intelligence, prequalification processes, commercial and procurement execution plans, and critical award timelines.

• Manage market engagement, tendering, negotiation, awarding, and contract establishment for significant packages.

• Supervise supply chain execution and logistics strategies, including cross-border operations into Zambia, customs procedures, freight forwarding, expediting, critical-path equipment delivery, contractor performance assessment, and contingency planning.

• Oversee local contractor engagement and the local content strategy.

• Collaborate with Finance for budgeting, forecasting, commitments, and maintaining cost discipline.

• Monitor contractor performance and manage commercial risks, such as market fluctuations, foreign exchange, geopolitical issues, claims, variations, and disputes.

• Design and implement the project insurance program while ensuring alignment of contractual risk allocation with insurance coverage.

• Lead the contracting, procurement, and supply chain team, fostering ethical supplier partnerships.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 15 years of commercial leadership experience in multi-billion dollar mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, or large-scale industrial projects.

• Direct responsibility for commercial strategy, market engagement, procurement, contracting, contractor management, and project results.

• Proven success in forming and executing high-value contracts for EPC, EPCM, design-and-build, engineering services, drilling, construction, logistics, and long-lead equipment in major capital projects.

• Experience in Africa and direct involvement from package strategy through negotiation, award, contract administration, claims resolution, variations, and project closure.

• Extensive knowledge of major construction contract frameworks, including FIDIC and NEC formats.

• Understanding of contracting models, risk distribution, payment methods, incentives, securities, warranties, liability limits, change management, claims processes, dispute resolution, and remedies for contractor performance issues.

• Track record of enhancing local supplier and contractor capabilities in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.

• Experience collaborating with Chinese suppliers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers is advantageous.

• Proficient in designing and implementing commercial systems, governance structures, and reporting frameworks for major projects.

• Strong business acumen, ethical leadership, and a commitment to transparency.

• Proven ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams.

• Recognized qualifications in Quantity Surveying, Construction Law, Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.

• Willingness and capability to travel internationally to Zambia, with an expected travel commitment of over 90 days per year.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative-action employer.

• Dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities for individuals of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, citizenship, or disability.