Job Title

Senior Commercial Officer

Grade

RG4

Reports To

Principal Commercial Officer

Number of Vacancies

Two (02)

Supervises

• Commercial Officers
• Assigned Support Staff

Job Purpose

The Senior Commercial Officer supports the development and implementation of commercial strategies that enhance Uganda Railways Corporation’s revenue growth, customer satisfaction, business sustainability, and competitiveness. The role drives business development, marketing, customer relationship management, contract administration, and commercial performance monitoring to maximize revenue across railway, marine, property, and logistics services.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy Implementation

• Participate in the development and implementation of URC commercial strategies, plans, and initiatives.
• Translate corporate objectives into measurable commercial targets and operational activities.
• Monitor implementation of commercial plans and recommend performance improvement measures.
• Contribute to the preparation of departmental budgets, annual work plans, and performance reports.

Business Development and Revenue Growth

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across railway, marine, property, and logistics services.
• Conduct market research to assess customer needs, industry trends, market opportunities, and competitor activities.
• Support preparation of business proposals, feasibility studies, investment cases, and commercial business plans.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase freight volumes, passenger traffic, property utilization, and other commercial revenues.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, freight clients, government agencies, and private sector partners.
• Coordinate customer engagement activities and collect customer feedback to improve service delivery.
• Address customer complaints and recommend corrective actions to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Support customer satisfaction surveys and service quality improvement initiatives.

Marketing and Promotion

• Support implementation of marketing campaigns to promote URC services and commercial offerings.
• Prepare promotional materials, marketing content, and communication briefs.
• Represent URC at exhibitions, stakeholder forums, trade fairs, and business networking events.
• Promote awareness of the advantages of railway transport among existing and prospective customers.

Contract and Revenue Management

• Support preparation, review, negotiation, and monitoring of commercial contracts and agreements.
• Monitor customer and service provider compliance with contractual obligations.
• Track revenue performance against approved targets and identify performance gaps.
• Support debt monitoring, revenue collection, and account management initiatives.

Commercial Data Analysis and Reporting

• Collect, analyse, and interpret commercial performance data.
• Prepare periodic commercial reports, dashboards, presentations, and management updates.
• Generate business intelligence to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Maintain accurate commercial databases, customer records, and performance information.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with internal departments including Operations, Finance, Engineering, Legal, and Planning.
• Participate in negotiations with customers, investors, and strategic partners.
• Coordinate engagement with Government institutions, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure commercial activities comply with URC policies, procedures, statutory requirements, and applicable legislation.
• Identify commercial risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and secure documentation of commercial transactions.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor and coach Commercial Officers and other junior staff.
• Share market intelligence, industry trends, and commercial best practices within the department.
• Participate in professional development programmes and continuous learning initiatives.

Expected Outcomes

• Successful implementation of commercial strategies and business plans.
• Increased freight volumes, passenger numbers, and commercial revenue.
• Expanded customer base and stronger stakeholder relationships.
• Improved customer satisfaction and service quality.
• Effective execution and monitoring of commercial contracts.
• Accurate commercial reporting and business intelligence.
• Increased marketing visibility and enhanced brand awareness.
• Strong compliance with commercial policies, regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Improved commercial team capability through mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

Academic Qualifications
Applicants should possess:

• Honours Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Commerce
  • Business Administration
  • Marketing
  • Economics
  • Transport and Logistics Management
  • Procurement and Supply Chain Management
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Or any other relevant business-related discipline from a recognized institution.

Added Advantage

• Postgraduate qualification in:
  • Business Administration
  • Marketing
  • Transport Management
  • Strategic Management
  • Economics
  • Or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in commercial services, marketing, business development, transport, logistics, or a related field.
• Experience working in a large organization, Government agency, transport company, or infrastructure institution is desirable.
• Experience in railway, marine, logistics, or public enterprise operations is an added advantage.

Knowledge & Technical Competencies

• Commercial strategy development and implementation.
• Business development and market analysis.
• Customer relationship management.
• Marketing and brand promotion.
• Contract negotiation and administration.
• Revenue management and performance analysis.
• Business case development and feasibility analysis.
• Market intelligence and competitor analysis.
• Data analysis, reporting, and dashboard preparation.
• Financial analysis and budgeting.
• Business communication and stakeholder management.
• Microsoft Office Suite and business reporting tools.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team supervision.
• Strategic and commercial thinking.
• Business development and negotiation.
• Customer relationship management.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Planning and organizational ability.
• Decision-making and results orientation.
• Integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Working Environment

• Office-based with regular travel to customer locations, business meetings, stakeholder engagements, exhibitions, and operational sites.
• Requires close collaboration with Operations, Finance, Engineering, Legal, Planning, Government agencies, private sector partners, and customers.
• Operates in a dynamic commercial environment with multiple priorities, strict deadlines, and performance targets requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and sound commercial judgment.

Performance Metrics

• Achievement of commercial revenue targets.
• Growth in freight volumes, passenger traffic, and commercial business opportunities.
• Customer satisfaction and retention levels.
• Number and quality of new business opportunities secured.
• Contract implementation and compliance performance.
• Accuracy and timeliness of commercial reports and dashboards.
• Effectiveness of marketing and promotional initiatives.
• Commercial risk management and compliance outcomes.
• Team performance, mentoring effectiveness, and knowledge sharing.