COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT @ VWAZA

POSITION: COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Location: Lilongwe

OVERVIEW
Vwaza is building Africa's home for entertainment through its products, including Vwaza Music, Vwaza TV, Vwaza Studio, Vwaza Podcasts, and Vwaza Events. These products connect African creators with audiences across the continent and the diaspora and are already being used in more than 60 countries.

As the company continues to build a sustainable business around its products, Vwaza invites applications from experienced, commercially driven, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented professionals for the position of Commercial Director.

The successful candidate will lead the company's commercial strategy, drive revenue generation, develop strategic partnerships, negotiate significant deals, and build lasting relationships with brands, businesses, and other partners.

Reports to: Managing Director

POSITION: COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

JOB SUMMARY
The Commercial Director will be responsible for Vwaza's commercial performance and revenue growth. The role involves developing and implementing commercial strategies, leading sales and business development activities, securing partnerships, and building recurring revenue streams.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Growth to achieve shared revenue goals and contribute to building Vwaza into a sustainable business. This is a senior, hands-on leadership position requiring the ability to set direction while personally leading negotiations and closing important deals.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
Academic, Professional Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

Hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.

Have at least three (3) years of hands-on experience in sales, business development, or commercial roles.

Demonstrate a proven track record of building recurring revenue.

Have experience negotiating and closing significant deals with senior decision-makers.

Demonstrate experience building a commercial function, team, or sales pipeline.

Possess strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Be able to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities, and deliver measurable results.

ADDED ADVANTAGE

The following will be an added advantage:

A Master's degree or Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Professional qualifications in sales, marketing, or management, such as CIM.

Experience in media, entertainment, telecommunications, fintech, advertising, or events.

Experience working in Malawi or other African markets.

An established professional network and strong industry relationships.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
The ideal candidate should:

Be commercially driven, entrepreneurial, and accountable.

Demonstrate strong business development and strategic thinking skills.

Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Be able to identify opportunities and turn them into sustainable business results.

Demonstrate confidence in negotiations and building long-term business relationships.

Be proactive and willing to take the lead in developing the company's commercial operations.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Commercial Strategy and Revenue Growth

Develop and implement Vwaza's commercial strategy.

Take responsibility for commercial performance and revenue generation.

Identify opportunities to increase revenue across Vwaza's products.

Develop strategies that support sustainable and recurring income.

Monitor commercial performance and recommend improvements.

1. Sales and Business Development

Lead sales and business development activities.

Identify and pursue new business opportunities with brands, businesses, and potential partners.

Develop and manage a strong sales pipeline.

Build commercial opportunities that contribute to long-term business growth.

Lead negotiations and personally close significant deals.

1. Partnership and Relationship Management

Build and maintain lasting relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

Identify strategic partnerships that support Vwaza's commercial objectives.

Negotiate partnership agreements and commercial arrangements.

Maintain relationships that encourage repeat business and long-term revenue.

Strengthen Vwaza's professional network across relevant industries and markets.

1. Commercial Team Leadership

Build and lead the commercial team as the business grows.

Provide direction and support to sales, business development, and partnership activities.

Establish effective processes for managing opportunities and customer relationships.

Promote accountability and performance within the commercial function.

1. Collaboration and Revenue Planning

Work closely with the Head of Growth to achieve shared revenue goals.

Align commercial activities with marketing and audience-growth initiatives.

Identify opportunities to convert audience growth into paying customers and business revenue.

Support coordination between commercial and marketing teams.

1. Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor commercial results, sales performance, and revenue growth.

Prepare and present reports on commercial performance to the leadership team.

Use business results and market information to guide decision-making.

Identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to strengthen performance.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should apply using the application form available on the official Vwaza careers page.

Application Link: https://luwawahr.com/jobs/vwaza/commercial-director

Applicants should attach their updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and include a note explaining why they are a suitable fit for the role.

Compensation: Competitive, with a performance-linked component to be discussed at interview.