South African National Parks (SANParks) Senior Manager: Business Development Unit Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

South African National Parks (SANParks) is inviting applications for the position of Senior Manager: Business Development Unit. This role is crucial for driving strategic initiatives within the organisation.

The successful candidate will be based at the Groenkloof National Park (Head Office) in Pretoria. This position focuses on enhancing SANParks' business objectives, particularly in tourism development and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Possess an NQF Level 8 qualification in Commerce, Business Management, Finance, Tourism Management, or a related field.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of work experience within the tourism or conservation industry.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in the implementation of complex projects.
• Hold an understanding of work-related legislation.
• Possess knowledge of Project Management principles.
• Be computer literate.
• Have knowledge in Public Private Management.
• Possess an understanding of the tourism and conservation industry.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a matrix environment.
• Have knowledge of effective risk management, outcome-based monitoring and evaluation, and audit and quality assurance management.
• Exhibit strong Project Management skills.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Be proficient in negotiation and conflict management.
• Have strong presentation skills.
• Possess knowledge of diversity and change management.
• Demonstrate financial management skills.
• Have strategic planning capabilities.
• Show willingness to take on additional responsibility and drive outcomes.

The following will be considered an advantage:

• An NQF Level 9 qualification (e.g., MBA) in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Tourism, or a related field.
• Professional Project Management certification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP, or equivalent).
• Experience in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in terms of National Treasury Regulation 16.
• Management consulting experience.
• Experience within the tourism, conservation, or public sector environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Manager: Business Development Unit will be responsible for a range of strategic tasks, including:

• Conducting pre-feasibility studies for tourism development opportunities.
• Engaging in SANParks’ strategy to diversify its tourism product range.
• Liaising with National Treasury to initiate projects and ensure optimal models are implemented.
• Actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure detailed bid specifications, compilation of tender documents, and facilitation of processes such as bidders' conferences, tender evaluation, and presentations to various committees (Bid Adjudication, EXCO, Audit and Risk, SANParks Board).
• Participating in legal clarification to ensure risk transfer via Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreements.
• Ensuring projects are implemented on time and within budget, involving engagement with various internal departments.
• Managing a comprehensive portfolio of PPP projects that contribute in excess of R45 million per annum to SANParks’ income.
• Providing policy advisory support services to Executive Management and employees.
• Coordinating expert input from SANParks into drafting and amendment of relevant policies, norms, and standards.
• Ensuring adherence to Environmental Assessments conducted.
• Researching and creating viable models, and identifying suitable operators to ensure the viability of ventures.
• Managing the planning, procurement, and implementation of approved tourism development opportunities.
• Actively involving in the creation and implementation of models to ensure benefit flow to SANParks, communities adjacent to the parks, and land claimants.
• Actively involving in revenue-generating projects for the benefit of SANParks.
• Continuously improving models and implementing alternative models where the PPP model is not optimal, such as engaging in Management Agreements.
• Directly engaging with private party executive-level stakeholders, SANParks stakeholders, interested and affected parties, community representatives, and land claimant representatives.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the SANParks website.

• Visit the official application portal: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo-elephant
• Follow the instructions on the portal to complete your application.

The closing date for applications is 27 July 2026. Ensure your application is submitted before this deadline.