Key Account Executive - Auckland

KiwiRail Freight; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is looking for a Regional Sales Executive in Tauranga, New Zealand. The candidate will drive business growth, develop strategic sales plans, and enhance customer relationships to promote rail freight services. The ideal applicant will have 5-7 years of sales experience and a relevant tertiary qualification. Responsibilities include operational collaboration and financial planning. This role offers a competitive salary, annual leave, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution

25 annual leave days

Professional development opportunities

Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in sales, business development, or key account management.
• Proven experience developing and executing growth strategies.
• Deep understanding of freight and/or logistics, preferably rail.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue and business growth by executing strategic sales plans.
• Build and nurture key customer relationships.
• Ensure alignment of regional strategies with national business objectives.

Skills

Relationship Management

Sales Strategies

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in business, sales, logistics

Tools

CRM software

Job description

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• Let your ambition fuel a nation and your growth drive the future
• Permanent, Auckland based

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being.

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you’re passionate about innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

The Regional Sales Executive will drive revenue and business growth by developing and executing strategic sales and regional growth plans, with a specific focus on expanding rail freight services. This role is responsible for building and nurturing strong customer relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and working cross-functionally to maximise regional performance.

You will be expected to create and implement tailored regional strategies that align with national business objectives, ensuring alignment with KiwiRail’s long-term growth targets. A key focus of the role is to enhance regional uptake of rail services through customer-centric solutions, market development, and optimisation of existing services.

You will also be responsible for developing KPIs that reflect the mutual value created through these relationships, driving yield and volume improvements, and increasing KiwiRail’s presence and profile across the assigned region. Active engagement with internal stakeholders will be crucial to align capability with customer requirements and deliver against budgetary targets.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Key Account & Relationship Management

• Maintain regular and strategic contact with key stakeholders within customer organisations
• Ensure customer satisfaction and retention through proactive service management
• Manage multiple stakeholder levels within accounts to ensure account depth and resilience
• Protect and grow revenue by maintaining account health and identifying up-sell/cross-sell opportunities
• Ensure pricing strategies support both cost recovery and regional competitiveness
• Monitor and report on revenue targets, forecasting variances and growth opportunities
• Identify and reduce poor-quality service costs; implement solutions in collaboration with operations
• Seek new value-added opportunities within the customer supply chain (e.g. first/last mile solutions)
• Ensure compliance with pricing and approval protocols

Operational & Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Collaborate with operational and network teams to align service capability with customer demand
• Facilitate communication between customer service, planning, and delivery teams to ensure smooth execution
• Resolve regional operational issues impacting customer satisfaction and service delivery

Budget & Financial Responsibility

• Actively contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for the region
• Deliver cost-reduction initiatives that improve regional financial performance
• Monitor customer payment performance and contribute to debtor management

Reporting & Insights

• Provide regular regional sales performance reports and customer insights
• Report on pipeline development and key account activities weekly
• Share relevant market and competitive intelligence with leadership to guide strategy

Knowledge and experience

• 5–7 years of experience in sales, business development, or key account management
• Proven experience developing and executing growth strategies
• Deep understanding of freight and/or logistics, preferably rail
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret financial and performance data
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Capable of managing complex customer accounts and projects
• Experience working with regional economic development agencies or supply chain stakeholders
• Experience in transport, infrastructure, or industrial B2B environments
• Familiarity with CRM and sales performance tools
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams

Other Requirements

• You can travel within New Zealand as required to meet customers and attend regional business events
• You have a current and valid New Zealand Driver’s Licence

Qualifications

• You have a relevant tertiary qualification in business, sales, logistics, or a related field
• You hold relevant industry certifications or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience working with regional economic development agencies or supply chain stakeholders
• Experience in transport, infrastructure, or industrial B2B environments
• Familiarity with CRM and sales performance tools
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• 25 annual leave days
• Professional development opportunities to help you grow and succeed
• Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits, including holiday homes, medical support and discounted travel
• Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to innovation, sustainability and community impact

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

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