Commercial Manager

Job description

Purpose

The Commercial Manager leads and oversees the full commercial lifecycle across sales, customer success and support. The role provides direction, performance oversight and strategic leadership to the commercial team, while managing key client and stakeholder relationships to drive revenue growth and long-term value.

The successful candidate is an experienced commercial leader with a strong understanding of the South African education landscape. They are motivated by improving learning outcomes locally and globally, and recognise the role technology plays in achieving scalable, sustainable impact in the education sector.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial strategy, planning and execution - Drive the development and execution of the commercial strategy, revenue targets, KPIs and forecasts in collaboration with Exco. Oversee performance across the commercial team, using data to drive interventions, market expansion and revenue growth. Represent Siyavula in business development engagements and co-create client solutions.

Team management, development and building - Set clear targets and performance standards for the team, conduct regular performance reviews and hold members accountable for delivery. Build team capability through structured training, product knowledge development and professional growth initiatives. Support recruitment and HR processes to ensure a high-performing, cohesive unit.

Processes and quality assurance - Design and continuously refine scalable commercial processes, tools and reporting systems to enable efficient, sustainable growth. Ensure accurate, streamlined internal and external reporting in collaboration with the data team.

Market, product and customer understanding – Build expert knowledge on Siyavula products. Maintain deep insight into client needs, satisfaction levels and market dynamics to inform sales, retention and pricing strategies. Analyse client feedback and sales trends to strengthen value propositions and reduce churn. Manage escalated client matters and translate commercial insights into actionable product improvements.

Distribution management - Manage and grow distribution partnerships across South Africa and target African markets, aligning activities to revenue targets. Implement clear tracking mechanisms and performance reporting for partner-driven sales and customer success.

 

Siyavula Education Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations.

Please send your CV and 1-page cover letter to Commercial Manager Application Form   with the subject line Commercial Manager. For further information, go to https://www.siyavulafoundation.org/ and to view the platform and products please visit https://siyavula.com

Please accept your application as unsuccessful if you have not heard from us 4 weeks after the closing date.

Applicants must declare prior issues of sexual or other misconduct, termination of past employment, criminal records, and concerns registered with government authorities regarding contact with children, and must consent to the disclosure of any such information by their former employers during verification of references.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a NQF 6 level tertiary qualification
• At least 5 years’ experience in sales management, business development, or an entrepreneurial role, ideally within the SaaS or EdTech sectors.
• Successful track record of relationship building with schools and key education stakeholders.

Skills & Attributes

• Advanced use of HubSpot CRM for pipeline management and automated task workflows.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the South African education landscape.
• People-centric and self-motivated, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Curiosity, open to feedback and commitment to ongoing learning
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle. (non-negotiable)

Company Description

Siyavula Foundation is a South African EdTech Non-Profit. We are a high-impact team of educators, scientists, and technologists, united by a bold mission: to transform STEM education in Africa. By building scalable, data-driven learning solutions, we’re unlocking the continent’s untapped human capital and creating pathways to sustainable economic growth. This is where social impact and market opportunity converge.

In addition to grant funding, our wholly-owned commercial subsidiary, Siyavula EdTech Enterprises (SEE), sells our premium product to schools to ensure consistent revenue towards sustainability. The commercial unit formed within SEE is a business unit within the Siyavula Foundation that focuses on selling Siyavula’s premium subscription software services to schools, universities and tutoring organisations across South Africa.

Posted on 24 Feb 08:02, Closing date 10 Mar