Company Description

De Beers Upstream Technology

Upstream Technology, the technical arm of the De Beers Group offers advanced technical services to the upstream operations with the aim of partnering to add value across the value chain.  Formed in 2025 from the merger of De Beers Marine and the Ignite Division of De Beers Group, we design, develop, deliver, and support innovative technology and engineering solutions through a suite of technology products and turnkey services. We provide complete systems to clients as an integrated technology and engineering partner, driven by excellence, focusing on optimizing performance, enhancing efficiencies, and maximizing profitability.

Job Description

The purpose of this role is to lead and strategically manage the commercial functions of the company (inclusive of the finance & supply chain functions), ensuring financial integrity, appropriate pricing, cross-border tax compliance, and operational efficiency across finance and supply chain divisions. The role is pivotal in supporting regional expansion, managing complex projects (e.g., mergers, SAP integrations), and fostering sustainable commercial relationships across Southern Africa.  The role is responsible for the fiduciary duties, ensuring the long-term viability of the business through sound financial management, optimal capital expenditure and good governance. The incumbent is required to partner with peers and stakeholders on all operational and strategic issues as they arise and provide strategic recommendations

Accountable for unit’s strategic commitments through leading the commercial services team to deliver requirements of the business, its clients and stakeholders:

Strategic Leadership & EXCO Participation: Serve as a key member of the Executive Committee, contributing to strategic decision-making. Drive commercial strategy aligned with regional growth objectives, particularly in Namibia and emerging Southern African markets.Finance Management: Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. Ensure compliance with South African and cross-border taxation regulations. Manage employee rates and cost structures across jurisdictions.Lead financial due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.Supply Chain Oversight: Optimize procurement and logistics operations across Southern Africa. Support the negotiation and management of sales agreements, supplier agreements and service contracts.Implement cost-saving initiatives and supply chain risk mitigation strategies.Project & Systems Management: Lead SAP integration and other enterprise system implementations. Manage commercial aspects of strategic projects including mergers and regional expansions. Ensure alignment of commercial systems with operational and financial goals.Cross-Border Taxation & Compliance: Develop and implement tax strategies for operations in Namibia and other Southern African countries. Liaise with legal and tax advisors to ensure compliance with international tax laws. Monitor changes in regional tax legislation and assess business impact.Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders’ regional partners, government entities, and suppliers. Represent the company in commercial negotiations and strategic forums.Sound long-term financial planning, modelling, reporting in line with De Beers Group requirementsProvide strategic & commercial input into to business opportunities, options and scenarios and business planningOversee long-term budget planning, forecasting and cost management in alignment with De Beers Group and Clients strategic plansMonitoring the use of funds; engagement with De Beers Group Treasury or outside financiers (where applicable) and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash positions and capital funding thereof.Effectively manage the business’s EBIDTA, FCF, Dividends and funding requirements.Continual refinement of smarter information systems, optimising systems, trend analysis and benchmarking against agreed measures.Sound commercial policies and agreements with clients and service providersDevelopment and management of the pricing strategyPreparation of financial statements for De Beers Marine Board ratificationLocal and international taxation management and compliance – Income tax, VAT, Customs & Excise etc.Identify and manage risk for business and eliminate risk exposureManagement of Company Insurance Portfolio and legal mattersEvaluate new capital and major projects from a financial/profitability framework and makes recommendationsEvaluate the company’s business and services rendered in the country and outside and evaluate tax exposures, obtain opinions, address the risks and implement the required processes to comply with legislation.Manage the setting up of branches or regional companies for effective management of permanent establishments and offering services in the Clients counties of origin.Appropriate management of all company agreementsMaterials Management and inventory, equipment control and logistics.Governance and Internal controls and regulatory requirements, including sound audit processesLead the Management of vendor strategy and ensure effective long-term agreements with key suppliers.Support operational effectiveness by ensuring that the right services and equipment are available to the business on time and at the most optimal cost within a governance framework focusing on mitigating commercial risk to the Company.Ensure effective execution of preferential procurement strategy of the company to meet regulatory requirements of the company

Qualifications

Formal qualifications:

Chartered Accountant (SA) with 10 years of post-article experience

Knowledge & Experience

10+ years of experience in commercial management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.  Proven experience in senior management level, leading a team of professionalsProven experience in cross-border taxation, financial planning, and project management.Strong understanding of EPCM business models and regional dynamics in Southern Africa.Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.Solid experience in fulfilling its fiduciary dutiesExperience in managing additional support services such Supply Chain/ProcurementUnderstand Company value drivers and embed in team to deliver streamlined solutions and improvement opportunities to move the business forwardUnderstands and applies strategic understanding of best practice in finance and procurement.Knowledge of international corporate taxationFinancial Modelling, business planning, modelling and reporting skillsRisk Management

 

 

Additional Information

Travel will be required in this role

Who we are:

De Beers Group is a company with a sparkling future.

Our experts have searched the world for nature’s most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant – for our people, our customers and the world around us.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us.  We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

As a global #HeForShe Thematic Champion, De Beers is committed to promoting an equitable, inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equality of opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential. Please inform us should there be any special requirements that should be considered as part of your application.

Building Forever

Sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making – it is how we do business.   Building Forever is key to our purpose as it represents our ambitious and holistic sustainability framework and is central to our ability to deliver long-term value to our communities and partners. This shapes how we protect our social and environmental license to operate, build a long-term legacy in our host communities and earn consumers’ trust in our diamonds that they can wear with pride.

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications

Closing Date: 12 September 2025