Commercial Manager - West Africa

SEMS Exploration Services is a leading geological consultancy group based in West Africa, specializing in mineral exploration and mining consultancy since 2002. SEMS offers a comprehensive range of services including geological consultancy, project management, geophysical surveys, and environmental services. Clients range from major mining companies to junior exploration firms and private investors, benefiting from SEMS local knowledge and multilingual staff. SEMS is recognized for its high-quality work and expertise in various commodities across multiple countries in the region.

Location: SEMS Accra office based with regular trips to Abidjan & Ouagadougou offices (once / quarter).

Reports to: Managing Director

Seniority: 10–15 years relevant experience. Preferably in West African Mining Industry.

Purpose: Convert SEMS’ technical excellence into commercial strength, regional market presence, and sustained financial growth. Lead business development, commercial strategy, branding, promotion, and marketing.

Role Summary

SEMS operates across both Francophone and Anglophone West Africa. The Commercial Manager will transform SEMS from a technically respected exploration services provider into a regionally recognised commercial leader with strong branding, structured service offerings, long-term contracts, and strategic partnerships.

This role blends commercial strategy, business development, contract negotiation, marketing, and regional positioning. It requires someone who understands the mining industry, understands how to provide a service, and knows how to turn capability into revenue.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commercial Strategy & Revenue Growth

• In close collaboration with the company’s CFO, develop and execute a commercial strategy covering Francophone and Anglophone West Africa.
• Identify high-margin service lines and build structured commercial offerings around them.
• Drive revenue growth through new clients, expanded services, improved efficiencies and diversified commercial models.

2. Business Development

• Build and maintain relationships with explorers, miners, licence owners, and government-linked entities across the sub-region.
• Track new entrants into West Africa and position SEMS as their preferred exploration partner.
• Lead proposals, presentations, and commercial negotiations.
• Optimise the company’s ‘local content’ advantages

3. Contract Structuring & Negotiation

• Design and negotiate client contracts and region-wide exploration support packages.

4. Pricing, Margins & Commercial Governance

• Develop pricing models, margin targets and commercial policies. In collaboration with the technical teams assess optimum project pricing structures.
• Monitor profitability and adjust pricing strategies accordingly.

5. Strategic Partnerships

• Identify opportunities for SEMS to partner with global organisations looking to do business in Africa.

6. Promotion, Branding & Marketing

Brand Positioning

• Define and strengthen SEMS’ brand identity
• Position SEMS as a regional exploration integrator rather than a technical contractor.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms and client interactions.

Marketing Strategy

• Develop and execute a marketing plan targeting explorers, investors, and government stakeholders.
• Create region-specific marketing materials (English and French).
• Oversee digital presence: website, social media, newsletters, technical insights.

Promotion & Visibility

• Represent SEMS at regional mining conferences (Indaba, PDAC, WaCA, etc)
• Organise SEMS-hosted technical workshops, webinars, and client briefings.
• Build SEMS’ reputation through thought leadership, case studies, and technical publications.

Client Communication

• Ensure SEMS communicates clearly, professionally, and consistently with clients
• Develop bilingual commercial materials, capability statements, and service brochures.

7. Market Intelligence & Opportunity Scanning

• Track exploration capital flows to West Africa
• Provide monthly commercial intelligence reports to the Managing Director.

Required Experience & Skills

• 10–15 years in mineral exploration / mining services commercial roles.
• Proven commercial leadership across Francophone and Anglophone West Africa.
• Familiarity with exploration financing cycles and how clients buy services.
• Bilingual fluency (English + French) preferred.
• Strong financial literacy (pricing, margins, contract economics).
• Marketing, branding, and promotional strategy experience

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