Key Account Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 77,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with commission

Bonus structures

Medical aid

Retirement plan contributions

Professional development

Remote work

Occasional travel

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a distinguished FMCG client to hire a Key Account Manager. This remote role targets major retail accounts across South Africa, with an emphasis on the Eastern Cape market.

The successful candidate will drive sales growth, manage strategic relationships, and deliver exceptional service while navigating pricing, contracts, and promotions. The role requires 4–6 years in key account management within FMCG, a Bachelor’s degree, strong negotiation and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales or related field.
• 4–6 years of key account management, sales or business development experience in FMCG.
• Proven track record managing large, complex key accounts and driving sales growth.
• Strong knowledge of the South African retail landscape, especially Eastern Cape.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation and communication skills.
• Proficient in CRM software (Salesforce) and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to meet/exceed sales targets for key accounts.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior decision-makers in major retail organizations.
• Understand customer needs and communicate the value proposition effectively.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and promotions to maximize profitability.
• Coordinate with sales, marketing, logistics to ensure order fulfilment and satisfaction.
• Identify new opportunities within existing accounts for expansion.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and account performance.
• Prepare performance reports, forecasts, and strategic recommendations for management.
• Resolve customer issues promptly and professionally.
• Represent the company at client meetings and industry events.

Skills

Key account management

FMCG industry knowledge

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Sales strategy

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished entity in the **Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)** sector, is actively seeking a results-driven and relationship-focused Key Account Manager to manage their most significant retail accounts. This position is based remotely, allowing talented individuals across **South Africa** to apply, with a deep understanding of the **Eastern Cape** market being a significant advantage. The role is responsible for fostering and expanding strategic partnerships with key customers, driving sales growth, and ensuring exceptional service delivery. The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record in account management within the FMCG industry, excellent negotiation skills, and a strategic approach to business development. This is a prime opportunity to contribute to the commercial success of well-known brands and play a vital role in maintaining our client's strong market presence. The remote work setup emphasizes trust and autonomy, requiring excellent self-management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve and exceed sales targets for assigned key accounts.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers within major retail organizations.
• Understand customer needs and requirements, and effectively communicate our client's value proposition.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and promotional terms to maximize profitability and market share.
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing, logistics) to ensure seamless order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
• Identify new business opportunities within existing accounts and explore potential expansion areas.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer performance to anticipate needs and challenges.
• Prepare and deliver regular performance reports, sales forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Resolve customer issues and complaints promptly and effectively.
• Represent the company professionally at client meetings and industry events.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of experience in key account management, sales, or business development within the **FMCG industry**.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large and complex key accounts and achieving sales growth.
• Excellent understanding of the **South African** retail landscape, particularly in the **Eastern Cape** region.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and persuasive communication skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and MS Office Suite.
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and travel as required.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships.
• A proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, along with commission and bonus structures tied to performance.
• Comprehensive benefits include medical aid and retirement plan contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are provided.
• This is a remote position, offering flexibility and autonomy.
• Occasional travel may be required to meet with clients or attend key meetings.
• The role provides a significant opportunity to impact sales and client relationships within the **FMCG sector** across **South Africa**, with a focus on the **Eastern Cape**.
• The successful candidate will be part of a supportive and results-driven team.