About the position
A beverage manufacture and distributor in South Africa, has a permanent employment opportunity for an experienced Key Accounts Manager, based in Western Cape or Gauteng.
We are seeking an experienced Key Accounts Manager to manage and develop relationships with key convenience stores, on-consumption outlets, and pharmaceutical retailers. This role is critical to our continued expansion and requires a results-driven professional who can navigate complex retail environments while delivering exceptional customer service.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience:
- 5+ years' experience in key account management within FMCG. Key account experience
- in Convenience stores, on-consumption outlets, and pharmaceutical retailers would be preferable.
- Experience in dealing with Liquor outlets will be advantageous
- Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, or related field
- Strong negotiation, presentation, and analytical abilities
- Deep understanding of retail dynamics and category management principles.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM system (Customer Relationship Management)
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.
Key Responsibilities:
Account Management & Growth
- Develop and execute account strategies for assigned convenience, on-con, and pharma
- customers.
- Drive, achieve and exceed sales targets, market share expansion, and profitability
- goals.
- Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities within existing accounts
- Conduct regular business reviews and strategic planning sessions with key
- stakeholders
Relationship Building & Partnership Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, category managers, and senior
- decision-makers
- Act as primary point of contact for all commercial activities with assigned accounts
- Collaborate with customers on joint business planning and promotional activities
- Resolve customer issues and disputes in a timely and professional manner
Commercial Excellence
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and promotional agreements to maximize profitability
- Develop compelling business cases for new product listings and range extensions
- Monitor competitor activities and identify new business opportunities
- Ensure optimal product placement and visibility within customer outlets
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with supply chain, marketing, and finance teams to deliver customer
- requirements
- Coordinate with field sales teams to ensure consistent execution at store level
- Provide market intelligence and customer insights to inform product development
- Support trade marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns.
Core Competencies:
Commercial Acumen
- Strong financial literacy with ability to analyse impact of commercial decisions
- Excellent negotiation skills with proven ability to create win-win outcomes
- Strategic thinking capabilities to identify long-term growth opportunities
- Data-driven approach to decision making and performance measurement
Relationship Management & Execution
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to influence and persuade at all organizational levels
- Cultural sensitivity and adaptability when working with diverse customer base
- Conflict resolution skills to manage challenging situations professionally
- Resilience and persistence in pursuing challenging objectives
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively
- Results-oriented mindset with focus on delivering measurable outcomes
Industry Knowledge
- Deep understanding of convenience store operations and consumer behaviour.
- Knowledge of on-consumption channels including forecourts, travel hubs, and
- hospitality.
- Familiarity with pharmaceutical retail environment and regulatory requirements
Desired Skills:
