Business Manager / Senior Key Accounts - Rigid Plastic Packaging – Beverage Industry

About the position

A leading manufacturer specialising in rigid packaging requires the above to be accountable for managing key account customers and driving new business development on a national basis for the company.
Minimum requirements for the role:

• A minimum matric is essential.
• Previous senior / key accounts and or new business development sales experience having worked within the rigid plastic packaging or any other packaging or within the food or beverage or agricultural chemical raw material industry is preferred for the role.
• Proven track record of managing multinational or large regional accounts.
• Experience in negotiating high-value contracts and long-term supply agreements.
• Strong knowledge of rigid plastic packaging and its applications in the beverage industry is preferred but not essential.
• Proven ability to manage complex accounts and deliver innovative packaging solutions.
• Commercial acumen with experience in pricing, cost analysis, and profitability management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate insights into strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills at senior stakeholder level.
• Results-oriented, resilient, and capable of working in a fast-paced, competitive environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Managing and driving senior key accounts within the beverage and related industries working closely with all departments within the company to introduce new and existing rigid plastic packaging products into the market on a national basis.
• Defining sales and marketing objectives and strategies for sales territories.
• Drive sales budgets, forecasts as well as yearly sales targets.
• Driving and managing sales forecasting and operational planning process.
• Obtaining market share according to the company’s strategy.
• Managing and overseeing all contracts and agreements with customers and distributors in alignment with the company’s strategy.
• Assisting quality and operations ensuring that the customer complaint reporting process is adhered to.
• Generating and presenting sales reports to exco members. 
• Driving and initiating new business projects both locally and internationally.
• Optimising and selectively implementing new products in order to maximise profit.
• Managing and negotiating pricing with customers at a very senior level.
• Developing and managing long-term relationships with key beverage clients, including multinational and regional brands.
• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities within the beverage industry to expand market share.
• Leading pricing strategy, contract negotiations, and sales agreements to maximise revenue and margins.
• Monitoring competitor activities, industry trends, and customer expectations to inform commercial strategies.
• Supporting product innovation and new launches by collaborating with R&D, technical, and production teams.
• Providing regular reports to the exco team on account performance and market opportunities.

Salary package, including benefits, is highly negotiable depending on experience gained.

Desired Skills:

• Business Manager
• Senior Key Accounts Manager
• Sales
• Rigid Plastic Packaging
• Beverage Industry