Senior Commercial Associate - Johannesburg Based at Genesis Analytics

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a Senior Commercial Associate who is eligible to work in South Africa and is highly driven to join our dynamic team. Coordinating commercial tasks, developing client connections, and streamlining income sources are some of the ways this function can help our organization expand. We encourage you to apply and become a part of our success story if you have a strong desire to make a difference and you meet the requirements.

The Senior Commercial Associate will be essential in guaranteeing the financial viability of projects through efficient management of expenses, financial performance, and budgets. The company's project portfolio will  need to be more competitive and profitable through proficiency in cost estimation, budget creation, and he/she will report to the Commercial Manager. In order to enhance our bidding process and win rate, you will do research, create written content, and create tools to assist business development teams and future bid preparation when not working on a single bid.

Senior Commercial Associate Duties:

• Develop and prepare cost proposals in response to RFQs, RFAs, RFPs, and IDIQs as per client requirements, including narratives and related cost documents, ensuring all compliance requirements are met. In collaboration with GA technical staff, prepare budgets in MS Excel for international development project proposals to multiple clients.
• Examine the narratives and budgets created by each practice area to make sure that GA policies are followed, requirements are satisfied, and profitability is evaluated.
• Collaborate with Practice areas and stakeholders to develop accurate cost estimates for proposed projects. Evaluate factors such as labour, Project expenses and other relevant expenses to determine project costs.
• Understand and abide by the company's quality standards and procedures in line with Genesis' objective to deliver work of the highest calibre and pursue ongoing development.
• Support the development of budget templates, and keeping them updated according to client and Genesis requirements.
• Conduct financial analysis to assess the profitability and financial viability of projects. Analyse project costs, revenues, margins, and other financial metrics to identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue enhancement to ensure that submitted proposals are in line GA targets.
• Assist the Commercial Manager with cost analysis (target costs, benchmarks with similar tenders/projects, competitiveness) to support the delivery of winning bids and contribute in identifying actions to reach target costs or improve offer competitiveness.
• On negotiation stage, review project contracts and agreements to ensure alignment with payment terms, payment schedules, cost estimates, budgetary constraints, and financial objectives. Identify potential risks and liabilities related to project costs and negotiate favourable terms when necessary.
• Be aware of and adhere to company quality standards and procedures in accordance with Genesis’ commitment to working to the highest quality standards and striving for continual improvement.
• Evaluate and select vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors based on GA policies, cost competitiveness, quality, and reliability. Negotiate pricing agreements, contracts, and service level agreements to optimise project costs and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Create a process for maintaining proposal libraries, including proposal archive, past performance.
• Calculate & Manage potential tax liabilities (Withholding tax and VAT) for bids.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to project costs, such as cost overruns, scope creep, procurement delays, and resource constraints. Develop risk management strategies to minimise the impact of cost-related risks on project outcomes and profitability.
• Continuously evaluate and improve project costing processes, methodologies, and tools to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Implement best practices and lessons learned from previous projects to optimize future cost management efforts.
• Work with the Compliance Officer to ensure compliance with relevant costing standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies governing project costing and financial reporting. Maintain accurate and transparent project cost records to support audit and compliance activities.
• Assist the Commercial Manager to prepare and conduct training to maintain compliance

Requirements

Genesis consultants carry a balanced combination of powerful intellect, strong technical skills, and a consulting character to match. Successful candidates for roles at Genesis:

• Are passionate, self-motivated and energetic problem-solvers
• Value integrity and exhibit ethical behaviour
• Are analytical thinkers and fast learners with an excellent academic record

You are likely to have:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CMA) is a plus.
• Seven plus years of experience in project costing, cost estimation, or financial analysis, preferably in the consulting industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, analyse cost trends, and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting and advanced excel skills.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience in developing International Development bids is desirable