Commercial Specialist

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join DAI's UK Business Unit as a commercial specialist. This role is designed for a strategic thinker who is interested in shaping the commercial approach to winning and delivering high-impact development projects, balancing the incentives to price competitively but profitably, with the need to be able to deliver meaningful work in risky environments. As part of a collaborative small operations team, this position offers a unique opportunity to guide our commercial strategy and contribute to new business development across a range of technical areas (Health, Education, Economic Growth, Governance and Conflict). You will be at the forefront of devising innovative bid pricing strategies and delivering robust financial oversight for projects that align with DAI's mission and values. Working with bid leads and project directors you will directly contribute to DAI's competitiveness and impact in the global development sector. We are looking for someone who can quicky understand the business incentives of an opportunity and translate these into a pricing/commercial approach, can lead the modelling and analysis of project budgets and support teams in putting together project budgets (including researching cost drivers in the countries we work in) in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Your contributions will play a critical part in shaping DAI's approach to market opportunities and supporting the successful execution of projects that deliver measurable social and economic benefits worldwide. Core Duties Bid Pricing Strategy and Development

• Lead the development and implementation of competitive and strategic bid pricing approaches that align with DAI's commercial targets and objectives.
• Provide expert commercial guidance to bid teams, including advice on pricing models, risk assessment, and financial considerations to ensure high-quality, financially sound proposals.
Commercial Analysis and Support
• Act as a commercial advisor to support bid teams with budgeting, cost estimation, and strategic pricing decisions, while ensuring consistency across bids.
• Conduct quality assurance (QA) of pricing models and bid pro formas to verify compliance, accuracy, and feasibility, maintaining high standards in all financial deliverables.
Project Support and Budget Management
• Provide ongoing commercial support to project delivery teams, specifically in managing budgets and maintaining target project margins.
• Offer commercial insights and management expertise for the budgeting of new project phases, ensuring smooth financial planning and risk management.
Risk and Stakeholder Management
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks associated with bids and ongoing projects, implementing robust risk management processes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, directly engaging in commercial negotiations to support successful project delivery and positioning.
Market Analysis and Process Improvement
• Analyze competitor pricing and market trends to inform DAI's commercial strategy and bid pricing approach, ensuring alignment with industry standards and competitiveness.
• Continuously identify and implement improvements to commercial management processes and bid pricing practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the commercial function.
  
  A results-oriented commercial specialist with a passion for international development and expertise in strategic pricing and commercial management. Ideal candidates will bring the following qualifications and skills:
• Educational Background
• Graduate degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Experience and Skills
• Experience in developing or managing large budgets for high-value government or donor-funded contracts, particularly with entities such as the UK HMG or EU.
• Background in strategic pricing for new business opportunities and competitive tenders
• An understanding of compliance requirements for international development contracts.
• Ability to lead, coach, and mentor bid teams on commercial aspects, guiding them through financial planning, budgeting, and pricing strategies.
• High level of numeracy with advanced skills in Excel and data analysis.
• Leadership and Adaptability
• A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
• Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, able to develop productive relationships at all levels and work collaboratively.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines under pressure and the desire to work in a face-paced dynamic environment.
  
  DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action-action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more liveable world. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, weak governance, and instability. We work with a wide range of clients, including national and local governments, bilateral and multilateral donors, the private sector.
In support of this mission, DAI's UK Business Unit primarily services the UK Government in delivering its international development objectives. Additionally, we service other select international bilateral and multilateral development agencies. Within the UK Business Unit, the Heads of our Technical Teams are responsible for leading a team in expanding the portfolio of projects and ensuring the successful delivery of programmes. The Head of Economic Growth is expected to be dynamic and entrepreneurial in being able to define and execute on a strategy, strengthen our brand and relationships, manage to financial targets, work collaboratively, motivate team members, and develop talent. The salary offered will be commensurate with relevant experience. DAI offers a generous benefits package and there are several day-to-day perks of working at DAI that help keep us happy and motivated! Please state clearly on application, your salary expectations. There is no closing date for applications and interviews will be held progressively. We are recruiting for these vacancies on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline and applications will be assessed as they are received, and the vacancies will remain open until they are filled. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in location the role is based within the UK without the need for sponsorship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. This job description details the key elements of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Job roles evolve over time and job-holders may be required to complete additional tasks in line with business needs. You will be pleased to know that we strive to uphold the highest ethical standards and that we are working with our clients to reduce the opportunity for people who are known to have breached ethical standards to work in our field. Any staff and/or consultant contract with DAI, therefore, will be subject to satisfactory reference checking and vetting., If this role sounds interesting and you would like to be part of DAI's growing business, bidding for and managing donor-funded projects round the world, we look forward to hearing from you.