About the position
Scope and general purpose of the job:
The Key Accounts Specialist plays a pivotal role in driving the commercial success of business's graphics solutions. The incumbent will be responsible for daily engagement with existing customers and sourcing new business through strategic relationships with distributors, converters, and end users. This role focuses on demand creation, expanding market share, and promoting the product portfolio through exceptional service delivery and technical support.
The specialist will ensure sustainable growth by identifying new opportunities, enhancing brand visibility, and fostering long-term customer loyalty across a national network.
Key Accountabilities
Sales & Market Engagement
- Conduct detailed needs analyses to meet or exceed sales targets across end-users, converters, and distribution partners.
- Develop and implement strategic and innovative sales initiatives that drive demand creation and long-term business growth.
- Build and maintain a robust project pipeline with accurate forecasting of prospective business opportunities.
- Pursue new sales opportunities and niche market strategies to increase regional footprint and market share.
- Perform a minimum of four customer-facing interactions per day to ensure consistent engagement and opportunity development.
- Identify and capitalise on potential growth opportunities within various industries, including but not limited to general signage, advertising, promotional architectural and automotive
- Collaborate closely with distributors on product specifications, stock strategies, and performance forecasting.
- Leverage strong relationships with architects, project managers, civil engineers, brand owners, and print service providers to specify our product as the preferred brand for both reflective and graphics materials.
- Drive brand specification in large-scale projects such as road signage, mining, and corporate identity programs.
- Expand distributor and converter investment in the product portfolio through solution-driven engagement.
- Provide regular input into the S&OP process regarding forecast accuracy, slow-moving/obsolete inventory, and potential crisis areas.
- Support internal and distributor sales forecast planning on a monthly and quarterly basis.
Customer Service & Support
- Deliver product and brand training to distributors, converters, engineers, and end-users to enhance technical knowledge and value perception.
- Provide technical advice, material recommendations, and on-site support as needed to resolve application or performance issues.
- Conduct and support product trials in collaboration with the technical team to validate suitability and performance.
- Maintain accurate and current customer engagement records and project activities using [URL Removed] to and log all customer complaints within 24 hours and ensure thorough follow-through until full resolution, including feedback and corrective actions.
- Update and manage customer-specific price lists within operating systems, ensuring pricing accuracy and alignment with commercial policies.
- Provide commercial guidance on terms, rebates, COD pricing, and discount structures within company parameters.
- Liaise with finance and customer teams to monitor account status and ensure timely payment follow-up.
- Ensure consistent alignment between customer expectations and service delivery, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust and performance.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in external field sales within the vinyl, signage, or graphics industry.
- Proven ability in product specification and solution selling across all tiers: distribution, converter, and end user.
- Experience managing corporate interactions on tenders and projects.
- Comprehensive understanding of the local market and customer landscape.
Formal Qualifications
- Grade 12 (Matric Certificate)
- Diploma in Sales or Marketing (or equivalent qualification)
Key Working Relationships
- Business Manager
- Technical Marketing Manager
- Business Development Specialist
- Customer Service Team
- Supply Chain Team
- Operations Team
Essential Skills & Competencies
- Advanced knowledge of digital print and self-adhesive vinyl materials, including reflective products.
- Ability to specify materials for complex signage and visual communication applications.
- Strong understanding of municipal and government tender processes.
- Proven experience with strategic planning and project execution.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong business acumen and negotiation ability.
- Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft Office, CRM platforms).
- Effective time management and multitasking capabilities.
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
- Accuracy, attention to detail, and high-level organisational abilities.
- Strong interpersonal and customer liaison skills.
Core Competencies
- In-depth knowledge of the self-adhesive vinyl and graphics industry
- Technical understanding of reflective product applications
- Insightful judgement and decision-making ability
- Ability to drive cross-functional collaboration
- Strong results orientation and ownership of targets
Desired Skills:
- Business Development
- Key Accounts Management
- Sales
Employer & Job Benefits:
- Medical Aid Contribution
- Provident Fund Contribution
- Performance Bonuses
- Commission
