Assistant Key Account Manager

Suntory Holdings Limited; Kuala Lumpur; Hybrid; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in Malaysia is seeking an Assistant Key Account Manager to support sales growth for key Modern Trade customers. This hybrid role involves planning and executing promotional activities, managing relationships with retailers, and optimizing trade spend. Ideal candidates should have FMCG experience (minimum 3 years), strong analytical and negotiation skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Join us in delivering high-quality products while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Opportunity for cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on experience in trade spend optimization

Path to future Key Account Management leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of FMCG/Modern Trade Key Account Management experience.
• Strong negotiation and advanced analytical capabilities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Key Account Manager in driving sales for key customers.
• Develop and implement promotions to achieve volume targets.
• Manage trade spend to maximize growth opportunities.

Skills

Knowledge in merchandising

Strong skills in Microsoft Excel

Excellent communication skills

FMCG experience

Key Account Management experience

Negotiation abilities

Analytical capabilities

Education

Diploma or higher qualification in a business-related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Who We Are

Suntory Beverage & Food strives to be the most locally beloved beverage company in every market we serve. Guided by our founding principles of \"Growing for Good,\" \"Yatte Minahare\" (the spirit of bold ambition), and \"Giving Back to Society\", we pursue sustainable growth, bold innovation, and meaningful social impact. Across the Asia Pacific region, we proudly offer trusted brands including Ribena®, Lucozade Sport™, BRAND'S® Essence of Chicken, Tea+, BOSS Coffee, V Energy - delivering quality products that honor our commitment to harmony with people and nature.

AtSuntory Malaysia, we are proud to be part of the globalSuntory Group, a Japanese multinational renowned for its unwavering commitment tohealth,wellness, andenriching lives. With a legacy deeply rooted ininnovationandnatural science, we deliver high-qualityhealth enrichment andfunctional beveragestailored to the needs of Malaysian consumers.

Guided by our mission to“Inspire the Brilliance of Life”, we blend cutting-edge research with a profound respect for nature to support holistic well-being — from the inside out.

We are the proud brand owner of several iconic products with strong cultural heritage and consumer trust:

• Ribena– the beloved blackcurrant drink rich in Vitamin C.


• BRAND’S®– a trusted name in health supplements, including the renowned BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken.


• C.C. Lemon– a refreshing lemon-flavored drink packed with Vitamin C, offering a zesty boost for your daily wellness.

About your role

As the Assistant Key Account Manager, you will play a hybrid role combining sales planning and operational execution. You will support the Senior Key Account Manager in driving commercial growth for key Modern Trade customers— ensuring excellence in planning, execution, and channel operations. Your role is critical for delivering sales objectives, optimizing value-added initiatives, and strengthening relationships with key retail partners.

What You'll Do

• Develop, plan, and implement promotions and activities to drive volume and brand objectives.


• Work closely with Trade Marketing, Sales Operations, and the merchandising agency to deliver value-added programs.


• Lead the monthly operational cascade with the 3rd party merchandising agency to ensure perfect execution.


• Translate consumer and retailer insights into actionable plans, identifying opportunities and proposing corrective actions.


• Build strong and sustainable relationships with key retailers to support better decision-making.


• Drive cross-functional alignment to strengthen service level performance.


• Lead trading terms negotiation and closure.


• Manage and optimize trade spend to maximize growth opportunities.


• Assist KAM in managing Modern Trade key accounts

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to manage major Modern Trade accounts in a growing FMCG environment.


• Exposure to cross-functional collaboration with Trade Marketing, Supply Chain, Category Management, Finance, and Sales Operations.


• Hands-on experience in trade spend optimization, sales planning, and in-store activation.


• A role that builds strong foundations for future Key Account Management leadership.


• Ability to influence commercial decisions through insights, operation excellence, and customer partnership.

What You need to be successful

• Knowledge in merchandising, sales operations, promotion planning, and in-store activation..pdf)


• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with solid analytical and negotiation abilities..pdf)


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing, and persuasion skills. Resourceful, results-oriented, and able to work cross-functionally.


• FMCG experience in managing Modern Trade retailers, including planning and execution.


• Key Account Management experience (minimum 3 years) in FMCG / Modern Trade.


• Strong negotiation and advanced analytical capabilities.


• Diploma or higher qualification in a business-related field.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.