Senior Manager: Business Development Unit at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Salary

• R943 635.00 – R1 415 505.00 Annual Package

The Organisation requires the services of a Senior Manager: Business Development unit. This position will be based at the Groenkloof National Park, Pretoria.

Requirements

• Should be in possession of a NQF level 8 in Commerce, Business Management, Finance, Tourism Management, or a related field.
• NQF level 9 in Business Administration (MBA), Commerce, Finance, Tourism or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Professional Project Management certification (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP or equivalent) will serve as an added advantage.
• Should have 5 work years’ experience in tourism or conservation industry.
• Should have Extensive experience in the implementation of complex projects.
• Experience in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in terms of National Treasury Regulation 16 will be an advantage.
• Management consulting experience will be an advantage.
• Experience within the tourism, conservation or public sector environment will be an advantage.
• Should have an understanding of work-related legislation.
• Should have Knowledge of Project Management.
• Should have Computer literacy.
• Should have Knowledge in Public Private Management.
• Should have an Understanding of the tourism and conservation industry.
• Should have the Ability to work in a matrix environment.
• Should have Knowledge of Effective risk management.
• Should have Knowledge of Outcome based monitoring and evaluation.
• Should have Knowledge of Audit and Quality assurance management.
• Project Management skills.
• Communications skills verbal and written.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Negotiation and conflict management skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Diversity and change management.
• Financial management skills.
• Strategic planning.
• Willingness to take on additional responsibility and drive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-feasibility studies of tourism development opportunities.
• Engage in SANParks’ strategy to diversify the tourism product range.
• Engage with National Treasury to initiate projects and to ensure that models being implemented are optimal.
• Actively engage role players to ensure detailed bid specifications, compilation of tender documents, facilitation of various steps in the process such as bidders conferences, tender evaluation and presentation to the bid adjudication committee, EXCO, audit and risk committee of the Board and the SANParks Board. Participation in legal clarification to ensure risk transfer via the PPP Agreement.
• Ensure projects are implemented on time and within budget. This includes engagements with a variety of departments within the organisation such as legal services, conservation services, socio economic transformation and departments within tourism i.e. interpretation, research, reservations, etc.
• Manage a comprehensive portfolio of PPP projects that contributes in excess of R 45 million per annum to SANParks’ income.
• Provide policy advisory support services to Executive Management and employees.
• Coordinate expert input from SANParks into drafting and amendment of relevant policies, norms, and standards.
• Ensure adherence to the Environmental Assessments conducted.
• Research and create viable models and identify suitable operators to ensure viability of these ventures.
• Manage the planning, procurement, and implementation of approved tourism development opportunities.
• Actively involved in the creation and implementation of models to ensure benefit flow to SANParks, communities adjacent to the parks and land claimants
• Active involvement in revenue generating projects to the benefit of SANParks.
• Continuous improvement of models and implementation of alternative models where the PPP model is not optimal i.e. engaging in Management Agreements.
• Direct engagement with private party e-level executives, SANParks stakeholders, interested and affected parties, community representatives, land claimant representatives as well as SANParks internal stakeholders.
• Conflict management — facilitate solutions between SANParks and the private sector.
• Ensure standardisation when implementing projects.
• Differentiate between Treasury regulations 16 and ensure implementation in line with the appropriate regulation.
• Ensure approvals at all levels i.e. exemption application, EXCO approvals, Board approvals.
• Incorporation of regulation changes into tender documentation to ensure that processes are not challenged.
• Review of project manager documentation — content, formatting, etc.
• Ensure compliance with SANParks’ conservation mandate which includes confirmation of built areas (with the appropriate conservation zone). Keep all role-players informed and updated on progress and developments.
• Use information derived from external ECO audits to improve own internal Processes.
• Lead and ensure a high performing team. Mentoring and coaching team.
• Ensure that the unit is adequately staffed. Develop interview models that will ensure hight quality team members are appointed.

Closing Date

• 27 July 2026