Key Accounts Manager

Summary of the Role

• Key Accounts Manager to nurture and expand relationships with food service clients (HORECA, Wholesale) and retail industry
• Primary point of contact for key accounts
• Responsible for achieving sales targets (revenue, volume & margin)
• Negotiate trading terms
• Ensure timeous execution on price increases
• Drive strategic growth through excellent relationship management and market insight

Job Responsibilities

• Relationship Management
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with buyers or key account managers
• Lead as a point of contact for all customer matters/issues, ensuring timely and successful account management
• Maintain trust through high-level customer service

Sales Strategy & Business Growth

• Develop and execute customer plans and sales strategies to achieve or exceed annual targets and key performance indicators
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities within existing accounts and the wider territory

Trading Terms

• Negotiate trading terms and close agreements to maximize profits and ensure mutual benefit
• Draft annual advertising spend & Joint business plans with ROI

Execution & Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal teams (finance, marketing, supply chain & manufacturing)
• Continuous engagement with 3rd party operations (Vector logistics, N1 Meats, Sequence, Pack n Stack) to ensure flawless execution, maximum product distribution and brand growth
• Monitor and analyse account metrics, sales results, and market trends to provide actionable insights
• Execute innovation launch plans
• Lead the sell-in and execution of marketing promotional plans, displays, and new product launches at the store or operator level

Reporting

• Conduct QBRs and weekly face-to-face meetings with regional and national buyers
• Ensure customer plans and reports are developed for monthly, quarterly and annually

Core Competencies

• Strategic Relationship Building
• Negotiation skills
• Ability to establish rapport and develop trust with technical and commercial stakeholders
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong persuasive and negotiation skills
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyse data, understand market trends, and develop solutions-based strategies
• Technical Proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel & PowerPoint), CRM skills (SAGE) and sales forecasting agreed with customers

Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel 80% within the assigned territory
• Must reside in Johannesburg
• Valid drivers license
• Own reliable vehicle