Bart Nel
Commercial Manager
Cape Town
Summary
Dynamic commercial management professional with a robust background in strategic planning, contract negotiation, and financial oversight, complemented by over five years of post-article experience. Recognized for fostering strong team collaboration and driving projects to successful completion while consistently delivering results aligned with organizational goals. Highly adaptable and committed to exceeding expectations, bringing proven expertise in financial data analysis, forecasting, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. A results-oriented approach facilitates navigation of complex challenges while enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to overall business success.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial Manager
HomeChoice
Cape Town, South Africa
08.2024 - Current
- Identify, develop, and implement efficiency initiatives to strengthen financial performance and support strategic objectives.
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to deliver accurate insights for data-driven decision-making.
- Conduct RFPs, profit analyses, and cost optimization initiatives to support business growth and improve profitability.
- Oversee contract and SLA management, including negotiations, compliance, and performance improvements.
- Lead cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain operations, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Provide commercial and financial insights to guide investment decisions and long-term strategic planning.
- Analyze large and complex data sets to improve business intelligence, performance tracking, and risk management.
- Establish and monitor KPIs to enhance accountability, align team performance, and achieve strategic goals.
- Negotiate with key suppliers to secure favorable terms, improving profit margins and supplier relationships.
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives that expand market share, strengthen competitive positioning, and drive growth.
- Drive continuous process improvement across finance, operations, and commercial functions to enhance productivity and cost efficiency.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align financial strategy with organizational goals and market conditions.
- Lead the development of financial models and business cases to evaluate new opportunities and support key decisions.
- Oversee financial compliance, governance, and internal controls to ensure accuracy, transparency, and risk mitigation.
- Partner with key stakeholders across departments to streamline reporting, improve communication, and support cross-functional initiatives.
Procurement and Finance Manager
HomeChoice
09.2023 - 08.2024
- Establish and manage the procurement department, implementing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure transparency and efficiency.
- Develop and execute procurement strategies that optimize costs, enhance supplier performance, and strengthen vendor relationships.
- Lead financial analysis and business partnering across departments to align budgets, forecasts, and investment decisions with company goals.
- Prepare profitability forecasts, ROI models, and business cases to support strategic initiatives and capital allocation.
- Direct vendor negotiations and contract management to secure favorable terms, mitigate risk, and maximize value delivery.
- Implement financial controls and compliance mechanisms across procurement and finance processes to improve accountability and reduce risk.
- Conduct market and spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and streamline purchasing activities.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align procurement and financial strategies with organizational growth objectives.
- Design and maintain performance metrics and KPIs to monitor supplier performance, cost efficiency, and budget adherence.
- Oversee end-to-end procurement lifecycle management, ensuring timely sourcing, vendor onboarding, and payment processing.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to forecast material and service needs, supporting alignment between operational demand and financial planning.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives across finance and procurement to enhance systems, reporting accuracy, and decision-making effectiveness.
Strategic Procurement Officer
HomeChoice
05.2022 - 09.2023
- Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to optimize costs, improve supplier performance, and strengthen category management.
- Lead cross-functional teams in supplier negotiations and contract development to ensure compliance, favorable terms, and service excellence.
- Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and spend data to provide actionable insights that drive informed procurement decisions.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Oversee procurement processes and governance controls, ensuring adherence to company policies, vendor onboarding standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with legal and risk teams to review and negotiate supplier contracts and ensure commercial soundness.
- Conduct supplier evaluations, audits, and performance reviews to ensure accountability, reliability, and alignment with service-level expectations.
- Prepare strategic procurement reports and insights for executive leadership, supporting decision-making, B-BBEE compliance, and continuous policy improvement.
Head Accountant
AS Cosmetics Cape Town
11.2020 - 04.2022
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and trial balance preparation.
- Ensure the general ledger is complete, accurate, and compliant with accounting standards and reporting requirements.
- Lead monthly financial reporting, providing directors with clear insights into performance, budgets, and cash flow.
- Prepare and manage annual budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and growth targets.
- Conduct financial audits and implement internal controls to strengthen compliance, accuracy, and accountability.
- Implement and maintain automated accounting systems to streamline reporting and improve efficiency.
- Manage creditor payments, tax returns, and related queries to ensure timely compliance and sound financial governance.
- Mentor and train junior accounting staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capability.
SAICA Audit Clerk
Diastoleus Professio Incorporated
01.2017 - 10.2020
- Conduct external audits across multiple sectors, including Motor, Pharmaceutical, Retail, Property, and Construction industries.
- Evaluate the appropriateness and application of accounting policies, financial frameworks, and IFRS compliance.
- Prepare and review financial statements with accompanying notes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and regulatory adherence.
- Assess internal controls — including IT general and application controls — to ensure design adequacy and operational effectiveness.
- Perform reconciliations for complex transactions and fixed asset registers, validating additions, disposals, and impairments.
- Calculate tax liabilities and prepare income tax returns for individuals and corporate entities in compliance with SARS regulations.
- Lead audit engagements and collaborate with teams to improve audit efficiency, turnaround times, and reporting quality.
- Identify financial discrepancies, recommend corrective actions, and contribute to annual audit planning and risk assessments.
Education
Higher Certificate - Negotiation Skills
Gordon Institute of Business Science (University of Pretoria)
Pretoria 04.2001 -
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Accounting - CTA
Millpark – CA Connect
Pretoria01.2020
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Bridging to CTA
Millpark – CA Connect
Pretoria 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting Sciences
University of Pretoria
Pretoria01.2017
High School Diploma -
HTS Middelburg
Middelburg 04.2001 -
Skills
Financial analysis
Timeline
Commercial Manager
HomeChoice
08.2024 - Current
Procurement and Finance Manager
HomeChoice
09.2023 - 08.2024
Strategic Procurement Officer
HomeChoice
05.2022 - 09.2023
Head Accountant
AS Cosmetics Cape Town
11.2020 - 04.2022
SAICA Audit Clerk
Diastoleus Professio Incorporated
01.2017 - 10.2020
Higher Certificate - Negotiation Skills
Gordon Institute of Business Science (University of Pretoria)
04.2001 -
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Bridging to CTA
Millpark – CA Connect
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
HTS Middelburg
04.2001 -
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Accounting - CTA
Millpark – CA Connect
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting Sciences
University of Pretoria
Languages
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
References
References and certificates to be provided on request.