The Sales Assistant Key Account Manager (AKAM) is a pivotal role responsible for managing and growing our business with a portfolio of key national or regional retail accounts. You will be the primary strategic partner, developing joint business plans to drive sustainable, profitable growth. Your focus will be on maximizing distribution, shelf presence, promotional effectiveness, overall account penetration & rapport with buyer & biz owner.
Job Description
- Manage key accounts (High Traffic Outlets: 7-11, MyNews, bibilamart, Family mart, etc) subjected to management change.
1) Strategic Account Management & Business Planning
- Develop and execute comprehensive Joint Business Plans (JBPs) with each key account, aligning mutual goals for growth.
- Conduct regular business reviews with customers to assess performance, identify opportunities, and address challenges.
- Analyze market data, shopper insights, and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions.
- Achieve or exceed agreed sales targets (volume, value, and profit) for your account portfolio.
- Identify and capitalize on new distribution opportunities for existing and new products.
- Drive effective category management to optimize shelf space, assortment, and planogram execution.
3) Negotiation & Relationship Management
- Lead negotiations on trading terms, promotional agreements, and annual contracts.
- Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with key decision‑makers and influencers at all levels within the customer's organization (e.g., Buyers, Merchandisers, Category Managers).
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all commercial matters, ensuring excellent customer service.
4) Promotional & Marketing Execution
- Plan, negotiate, and execute impactful promotional and marketing activities within agreed budgets.
- Analyze post‑promotional evaluation (PPE) to measure ROI and optimize future activities.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to align brand strategies with customer initiatives.
5) Forecasting & Supply Chain Coordination
- Provide accurate and timely sales forecasts to ensure optimal product availability and minimize out‑of‑stocks.
- Work closely with the supply chain and logistics teams to manage customer‑specific requirements and resolve any supply issues.
6) Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate effectively with internal teams including Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, and Category Management to deliver a seamless customer experience.
Required Educational Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Experiences
- Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in business, marketing, or related field.
- Proven experience (typically 3‑5+ years) as a Key Account Manager, National Account Manager, or similar role within the FMCG/CPG industry.
- Demonstrable experience managing large national retail accounts (e.g., 7‑11, family mart, mynews, lotus, or equivalent regional giants).
- Strong track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.
- Experience with Category Management principles and space planning software (e.g., Nielsen or Market Pulse).
- Experience in launching new products successfully at major retailers.
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the bigger picture and develop long‑term strategic plans.
- Exceptional Negotiator: Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation skills that deliver value.
- Influencer & Relationship Builder: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at a senior level.
- Data‑Driven: Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret sales data, market reports, and financial metrics to make informed decisions.
- Resilient & Results‑Oriented: A self‑starter with a drive to succeed in a fast‑paced, target‑driven environment.
- Excellent Communicator: Fluent in verbal and written communication, with strong presentation skills.
- Problem‑Solver: Proactive in identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
Interested candidate may apply online or send your updated resume to ******@asiarecruit.com.my
Only short‑listed candidate will be notified.