Commercial Manager

Role Summary:

The Commercial Manager will play a vital role in driving financial efficiency, optimizing commercial agreements, and providing strategic financial insights to support WPP-Scangroup's growth objectives. This role acts as a finance business partner to the commercial teams, providing financial leadership and guidance to maximize revenue and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of financial expertise, strategic thinking, business partnering skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Finance Business Partnering: Act as a trusted advisor to commercial teams, providing financial support and guidance on key business decisions. Develop strong relationships with stakeholders to understand their needs and provide tailored financial solutions.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling processes for the commercial function. Analyze financial performance against strategic goals, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to drive improved results.
• Commercial Strategy Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of commercial strategies aligned with overall business objectives. Analyze market dynamics, competitor activities, and client needs to inform strategic decision-making.
• Revenue Management & Assurance: Oversee pricing strategies to maximize revenue and maintain market competitiveness. Ensure billing accuracy, timely invoicing, and efficient collections processes. Collaborate with credit control to minimize outstanding receivables.
• Contract Negotiation & Management: Negotiate and manage client contracts, ensuring profitability, compliance, and alignment with company policies. Identify and mitigate potential risks within commercial agreements.
• Cost Optimization: Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements within the commercial function. Develop and implement strategies to optimize resource allocation and minimize expenses.
• Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular financial reports and analysis to management, highlighting key performance indicators, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure adherence to financial regulations and company policies. Identify and mitigate potential financial risks within commercial operations.
• Team Leadership & Development: (If applicable) Manage and mentor a team of business analysts, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Role Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree (e.g., MBA) is a plus.
• Professional Qualifications: CPA, ACCA, or CFA designation preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a commercial finance role or as a finance business partner supporting a commercial unit, preferably within the media or advertising industry.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven experience in contract negotiation, revenue management, and cost optimization.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial management software.
  • Strategic mindset with the ability to translate business objectives into financial plans.
  • Results-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
  • Strong business acumen and commercial awareness.

Company Overview:

WPP is the world's leading creative transformation company, recognized as the "world's best holding company" based on global agency performance rankings. WPP-Scangroup Plc, listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange, is a key player in the African market, building brands and transforming consumers through its diverse portfolio of advertising and media brands, including Scanad/JWT, Ogilvy, Squad Digital, Bursons, and GroupM. With over 33 years of experience and a team of 600+ talented individuals across Sub-Saharan Africa, WPP-Scangroup partners with some of the world's biggest clients, such as The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, Diageo, ABSA Bank, and Safaricom, to deliver high-quality marketing and creative communication services. WPP-Scangroup fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and big-picture thinking.