National Retail Key Accounts Manager

Reports to: Retail Sales Manager

Industry: Import/ Export of seafood 

Location: Paarden Eiland, Western Cape 

Salary: Market-related 

Contract Type: Permanent (includes a 6-month probation period)

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08h00 – 17h00 (subject to change based on production and operational demands)

Job Purpose:
To manage the effective running of assigned national retail accounts by achieving set targets while ensuring no compromise on food safety or quality.

Qualifications / Skills

• Matric
• Degree in Sales and/or Marketing (required)
• SAP proficiency

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years FMCG key accounts management
• Experience working with major retail key accounts
• Ability to travel locally
• Seafood industry experience is an advantage

Requirements

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Honesty, integrity & reliability
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated; able to work with little supervision
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to multitask
• Open to change and learning new systems
• Able to work under pressure, meet deadlines and prioritise
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Flexibility due to work demands
• Must have own reliable vehicle
• Well presented

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve set budgets and targets, maximising turnover, profitability and growth within assigned Key Account customers by effectively selling the company’s products
• Develop and grow relationships with Key Account customers to prevent movement to competitors
• Gain a thorough understanding of key customer needs and requirements
• Expand customer relationships by continuously proposing solutions that meet their objectives
• Ensure correct products and services are delivered to Key Account customers timeously
• Serve as the communication link between customers and the client 
• Resolve customer issues and complaints to maintain trust
• Prepare regular progress and forecast reports for the internal planning team and customers using key account metrics
• Manage, develop and maintain a positive internal and external team environment
• Provide weekly and monthly sales target feedback and the tools/training for the team to achieve company objectives
• Develop sales growth strategies aligned with company growth strategies
• Prepare and present weekly/monthly sales performance, margin, profitability, budget and cost variance reports
• Manage returned goods and process claims timeously
• Analyse competitor activity and report insights to the Retail Sales Manager
• Provide feedback on stock availability and shortages to Key Account customers and the Retail Sales Manager
• Achieve budget expectations and highlight barriers for corrective action
• Manage portfolio stock levels and ensure stock management targets are met
• Implement improvements to maximise portfolio efficiency
• Continuously assess and develop the SKU range within the portfolio
• Manage Key Account stock holding at depots and DCs, including replenishment planning and forecasting future demand
• Oversee and manage sales representatives to ensure effective customer service, achievement of budgets and targets, profitability, and strong relationships with buyers, planners, merchandisers, and operations teams