As Recruitment Machines, our client is a growing entertainment business operating across music, television, podcasts, creative studios and events. The company is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Commercial Director to lead revenue generation, sales, business development and strategic partnerships.
Job Summary
- Employer: Recruitment Machines
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Sales
- Salary: MWK 1,500,000 – MWK 2,500,000 per month + commission
- Closing Date: 2026-10-15
Key Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing commercial strategies.
- Leading sales and business development activities.
- Building long-term relationships with brands and business partners.
- Negotiating and closing significant deals.
- Driving recurring revenue.
- Collaborating with the Head of Growth to achieve revenue targets.
- Reporting commercial performance to management.
- Building and leading the commercial team as the business expands.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Economics or a related field.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience in sales, business development or commercial roles.
- Proven track record of building recurring revenue and closing significant deals.
- Experience negotiating with senior decision-makers.
- Experience developing commercial pipelines, functions or teams.
- Strong business development, sales leadership and negotiation skills.
- Excellent relationship-building and partnership management abilities.
- Ability to work independently, take accountability and deliver results.
Salary
MWK 1,500,000 – MWK 2,500,000 per month + commission
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: forms.gle
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Commercial Director in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field, with an MBA or professional sales certification being highly advantageous. Extensive experience in senior sales leadership, typically 8-15 years, is often more critical than formal credentials. Membership with the Malawi Institute of Marketing or similar professional bodies strengthens your profile.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Commercial Director?
You will lead strategic sales planning, manage key client relationships, and oversee revenue targets across multiple product lines or regions. Daily activities include reviewing sales performance data, coaching regional managers, negotiating major contracts, and presenting to executive boards. You also collaborate with marketing and operations teams to align commercial activities with company objectives.
How does the work culture in Malawi affect this senior sales role?
Malawian business culture values relationship-building and personal networks, so face-to-face meetings and patience in negotiations are essential. Hierarchical respect means you will interact carefully with company owners and boards, often requiring consensus-building before decisions. Flexibility around infrastructure challenges, such as intermittent power or connectivity, is expected at all levels.
What career progression paths exist for Commercial Directors in Malawi?
Successful directors often advance to Managing Director, CEO, or regional leadership roles covering Southern Africa. Some transition into entrepreneurship, leveraging their networks to start distribution businesses or consulting firms. Others move into multinational corporations with broader African portfolios, particularly in agriculture, telecoms, or FMCG sectors.
What benefits should I expect in a Commercial Director role?
Typical packages include comprehensive medical aid, often extending to immediate family, and pension contributions aligned with Malawi's pension reform requirements. You can expect generous annual leave, usually 20-25 days, plus paid public holidays. Many employers provide performance bonuses, company vehicles or transport allowances, and mobile phone allowances given the travel-intensive nature of sales leadership.
How do I apply and what do Malawian employers look for in candidates?
Apply through executive recruitment firms active in Lilongwe and Blantyre, professional networks like LinkedIn, or direct applications to company websites. Employers prioritize proven revenue growth achievements, existing relationships with major distributors or corporate clients, and leadership experience in the local market. Demonstrating fluency in Chichewa alongside English, and understanding of regional economic conditions, significantly strengthens your candidacy.