Deputy Commercial Manager

Job Title: Deputy Commercial Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Apapa, Lagos.

At Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL), we are a one of the leading players in the shipping and logistics industry, dedicated to delivering reliable, innovative, and efficient solutions across the shipping value chain. With a strong commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability, we provide top-tier services in cargo operations, logistics, and terminal operations.

Driven by a team of passionate professionals, we continue to shape the future of shipping and logistics services in Nigeria and beyond, connecting businesses, driving growth, and setting industry standards.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven professional to join our organization as the Deputy Commercial Manager. This pivotal role is responsible for supervising the Commercial Department and driving strategic business initiatives that align with the company’s overall goals and objectives.

The ideal candidate will play a key role in strengthening our business development strategies, sales, and marketing efforts to expand market share, achieve revenue targets, and enhance brand visibility.

Key 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, analyse 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 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 co-ordinates 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 make 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, advertisement 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/service, potential opportunities, implication 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 encourage 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 high level of customer service delivery and timely response to customer requests & complaints.
• Tracks competitor activities and develops appropriate strategies to protect and enhance company’s market share.
• Develops and maintains 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 implement 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

Qualifications:

• Minimum of first degree/ HND in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Social Sciences or any other relevant disciplines.
• MBA or relevant master’s degree is required.
• Member of National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) or any other relevant professional certification is an advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years cognate experience in a commercial role within the industry, 3 of which should have been at management level.

Key Competencies:

• Job knowledge/technical expertise
• Relationship management
• Commercial Awareness (Business Savvy; Growth Focus)
• Customer Centricity (Expectations, relationships, data)
• Industry and product knowledge
• Self-management/Emotional intelligence
• Leading and empowering others
• Managing performance
• Communication skills, Negotiation, Resilience, Persuasion & Influencing skills and Attention to detail

Compensation:

• Attractive salary
• Health insurance and other standard benefits
• Career growth and training opportunities