Chief Commercial Officer at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

• Directs and oversees the commercial activities of the Corporation in accordance with the strategies, values, policies, goals and objectives established by the Group Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. The Chief Commercial Officer is accountable for commercial revenue generation, audience monetisation, sales leadership, strategic partnerships, market intelligence and commercial operations across SABC’s television, radio, digital and emerging platforms.
• The role is responsible for driving commercial performance, maximising the value of the Corporation’s audiences and assets, strengthening advertiser and stakeholder relationships, and identifying growth opportunities that support the SABC’s public interest and commercial objectives.

THE CCO NEEDS TO ENSURE:

• the achievement of revenue and associated commercial targets including market and audience share / satisfaction measures and metrics
• the seamless, integrated running of day-to-day commercial functions in line with the SABC’s revenue and expenditure requirements
• the crafting and implementation of the SABC’s Commercial Strategy to maximise revenue generation, audience value and commercial opportunities across the Corporation’s platforms and assets.
• developing commercial initiatives, revenue opportunities and market-focused strategies to support the commercial performance of SABC channels, platforms and assets.
• finding creative solutions and partnerships to fund content acquisition through relationships with relevant finance, funding and other institutions
• mandate and to enable it to compete with commercial competitors on an even footing.
• the maintenance and growth of audiences across platforms, channels and stations
• audience satisfaction with content aired as well as with their ability to access content across their choice of screens and devices
• innovation in commercial processes to improve advertiser / sponsor satisfaction with the overall value received
• focused collaboration within the Commercial function and across other organizational boundaries, in particular Operations
• the complex allocation of people, finances and commercial resources
• that revenue is available for the SABC to deliver innovatively and consistently on its Free to Air public service mandate
• that the Commercial Division continuously improves its operating effectiveness, market responsiveness and commercial competitiveness.
• implement the SABC’s commercial strategy to contribute to growth in advertising revenues and sponsorships
• manage and quality assure all commercial operations to mitigate potential risk and deliver sustained financial results
• ongoing change and digital transformation to leverage Data analytics, AI and audience insights to monetize legacy content, improve content creation / acquisition and delivery as well as audience loyalty
• the successful commercial exploitation of sports rights and associated opportunities in support of the Corporation’s public interest and commercial objectives.
• championing and effecting change, by working with National Treasury and other key stakeholders to ensure flexibility in procurement (in accordance with sound and necessary governance), essential to operating and competing in a hyper-competitive media industry context
• the institutionalization of relevant Sales disciplines including time and territory management, meeting cadences, incentives and remuneration.
• that its people are successfully and effectively managed and lead contributing to employee motivation, high levels of engagement and wellbeing
• that a conducive culture and climate are shaped and developed in the Commercial functions, in alignment with the overall SABC culture.

CONTENT, AUDIENCES AND COMMERCIAL GROWTH

• Provide commercial oversight and market insights to support audience growth, engagement and satisfaction across the SABC’s television, radio and digital platforms.
• Drive the growth of advertising, sponsorship and other commercial revenue opportunities across the Corporation’s portfolio.
• Collaborate with business units to maximise the commercial value of content, sports rights and audience assets through effective monetisation strategies.
• Support the acquisition and promotion of compelling public interest content through strategic commercial partnerships and opportunities.
• Foster industry partnerships and contribute to the development of South Africa’s content creation ecosystem.
• Ensure robust audience, market and advertiser research capabilities, including audience segmentation and insights, to inform commercial decision-making and strategic planning.
• Partner across the organisation to grow audiences, advertisers and sponsors while strengthening the SABC’s position in the Free-to-Air market.

COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE – STRATEGY AND FINANCE

• Contribute to the development and execution of the SABC’s corporate and commercial strategies as a member of EXCO.
• Provide strategic leadership, oversight and performance management of the Commercial Division to ensure the achievement of revenue, audience and commercial objectives.
• Lead and optimise the performance of the Sales, Revenue Management and Business Intelligence functions to maximise commercial returns and audience value.
• Develop and manage strategic commercial partnerships and revenue opportunities that support content, platforms and audience growth.
• Drive commercial strategies to grow advertising, sponsorship and other revenue streams across the SABC’s television, radio, digital and streaming platforms, including SABC Plus.
• Collaborate with business units to enhance the commercial value and competitiveness of content, programming and audience assets.
• Identify and execute commercial opportunities arising from content rights, legacy content, outside broadcasts and other monetisable assets.
• Ensure prudent financial management of Commercial Division budgets, resources and assets in accordance with approved governance, financial and procurement frameworks.
• Monitor financial performance and expenditure, implementing appropriate controls and cost management measures to optimise commercial performance.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & INNOVATION

• Lead and optimise the day-to-day commercial operations of the SABC, including Sales, Revenue Management and Business Intelligence, in accordance with sound management practices, the SABC mandate and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that market, customer, advertiser and audience insights underpin commercial decision-making, performance management and operational excellence across the Commercial Division.
• Build and develop a high-performing commercial capability through the continuous enhancement of skills, knowledge and expertise to meet current and future business needs.
• Drive the effective use of data, analytics and technology to strengthen commercial performance, improve decision-making and identify new revenue opportunities.
• Develop commercial insights and market foresight capabilities to enhance responsiveness to evolving industry trends, audience behaviour and market conditions.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement within the Commercial Division to maximise the value of the SABC’s audiences, platforms, content assets and commercial partnerships.

OUR PEOPLE

• Demonstrate professional, ethical and values-driven leadership in all interactions and decision-making.
• Foster a high-performance culture through effective leadership, communication, collaboration and employee engagement across the Commercial Division.
• Ensure the Commercial Division is appropriately structured and resourced, with the right people, skills and capabilities to deliver on business objectives.
• Develop and maintain a robust talent pipeline for mission-critical and leadership roles through succession planning, talent management and workforce planning.
• Drive the continuous development, reskilling and upskilling of employees to ensure future-fit commercial capabilities and digital readiness.
• Implement and maintain performance management practices that promote accountability, high performance and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative, regulatory and organisational requirements relating to the employment lifecycle, including recruitment, development, performance management, retention and separation.
• Establish and maintain talent management disciplines, including competency assessments, personal development plans, career development pathways and succession plans.
• Create an enabling environment that attracts, develops, motivates and retains high-performing talent.
• Ensure effective communication, engagement and alignment of employees behind the SABC’s strategy, priorities, values and performance objectives.
• Promote coaching, mentoring and leadership development to strengthen individual and organisational capability.
• Implement appropriate reward, recognition and employee value proposition initiatives that support performance and retention.
• Optimise the utilisation and management of permanent and contingent workforce resources while ensuring cost effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives that enhance organisational commitment, wellbeing, productivity and retention.
• Shape and sustain a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture aligned to the SABC’s strategic objectives and organisational values.

SOUND GOVERNANCE & RISK

• Ensure adherence to policies, organizational imperatives, legislative and any other regulatory prescripts.
• Assess, manage and mitigate risk effectively and proactively.
• Implement internal control measures to ensure good governance and compliance with SABC policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant SABC Internal Controls.
• Ensure that Strategic, Operational, and Project Risks are documented, managed, well mitigated and aligned to the SABC Risk Management Framework Ensure the necessary frequency of internal risk audits and address any gaps that may be identified.
• Review and ensure the timeous implementation of Risk Management Plan (including Operations Strategic Risk Treatment Plans in line with organizational Risk Management Framework (COSO Model).
• Proactively identify and communicate potential risks in accordance with SABC policies and Procedures
• Monitor and report on inter-regional operational risks and compliance.
• Review AG audit finding and resolve in collaboration with Finance.
• Review all Commercial and associated policies to ensure that they are relevant, for purpose and adhered to.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Develop and manage strategic commercial partnerships that support revenue growth, audience monetisation and the achievement of the SABC’s commercial objectives.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, sponsorships, advertising partnerships and commercial collaborations that enhance the value of the SABC’s platforms, content and audience assets.
• Establish, negotiate and manage commercial agreements and partnership frameworks to maximise value creation and mutual benefit.
• Regularly evaluate the performance and effectiveness of commercial partnerships and implement improvements where required to ensure desired outcomes are achieved.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with advertisers, sponsors, agencies, industry bodies and other key commercial stakeholders to strengthen the SABC’s market position.
• Represent the Commercial Division in engagements with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the SABC’s strategic priorities and commercial objectives.
• Collaborate across the organisation to identify and unlock commercial opportunities that support audience growth, revenue generation and long-term business performance.
• Facilitate effective communication and stakeholder engagement to promote collaboration, strengthen relationships and enhance the reputation of the SABC.

INHERENT REQUIREMENTS

FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Relevant Degree, preferably a Masters’ Degree, (NQF 9) in Business Management, Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Commercial business development or Leadership, or equivalent qualifications in a related field.    

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 10 years' senior leadership experience within the media, broadcasting, technology, telecommunications or related commercial sectors.
• At least 5 years' senior leadership experience leading commercial functions such as Sales, Revenue Management, Finance, Business Intelligence, Commercial Strategy or Business Development.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing commercial strategies that drive revenue growth, audience monetisation and business performance across multiple revenue streams.
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and operating effectively within complex, matrixed organisations.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in strategic planning, performance management, budgeting and financial oversight.
• Sound understanding of the South African media and broadcasting landscape, including audience, advertising, sponsorship and content monetisation dynamics.
• Experience building strategic partnerships, negotiating commercial agreements and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the South African content ecosystem and emerging industry trends, with the ability to anticipate and respond to changing market conditions.
• Understanding of relevant legislative, regulatory and governance frameworks applicable to the SABC and the broadcasting sector.
• Experience operating within a public sector, state-owned entity or similarly regulated environment will be advantageous.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Experience with best practice corporate governance.
• Working knowledge of the Broadcasting Act, the Electronic Communications Act, the Public Finance Management Act and related National Treasury regulations and their implications.
• Working knowledge of ICASA Regulations and their implications for the Public Broadcaster
• Knowledge of King IV Codes of Good Governance
• An understanding of the importance of adherence to relevant SABC internal control measures including Delegation of Authority Framework
• Working knowledge and familiarity with the Audio and Audio-visual Content Services (AAVCS) - Draft White Paper
• Working knowledge and familiarity with the SABC Act and Bill
• Working knowledge and familiarity with the Broadcast Digital Migration (BDM) process and the Analogue Switch-Off (ASO) program
• Working knowledge of the ICASA Must Carry Regulations

Deadline:15th June,2026