Account Manager

Core Group ZA; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 280,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Group ZA is seeking a commercially driven Account Manager to manage and grow a portfolio of SME and independent retail partners within the consumer electronics and technology environment.

The successful candidate will drive sales performance, develop strong retailer relationships, identify new business opportunities and ensure effective execution of business plans across assigned accounts, combining sales management, stock planning, merchandising and commercial relationship management.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 completed.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in mass retail, independent retail or distribution sales.
• Experience managing SME or independent retail accounts.
• Knowledge of consumer electronics/technology industry advantageous.
• Strong commercial and financial understanding.
• Proven sales and account management track record.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with assigned SME and independent retailers.
• Develop annual business plans and conduct quarterly business reviews with key retail partners.
• Drive execution of agreed business plans and strategic initiatives.
• Conduct regular retailer meetings and store visits to identify opportunities and address challenges.
• Analyse retailer sales, sell-out and stock-on-hand performance to identify risks and growth opportunities.
• Develop and implement account-specific growth initiatives.
• Achieve agreed quarterly and annual sell-in and sell-out targets.
• Develop strategies to grow revenue and market share across assigned accounts.
• Secure forward orders and manage retailer stock requirements to minimise stock-outs.
• Identify and pursue new commercial opportunities within existing retail accounts.
• Work with retail partners to maximise promotional and marketing opportunities.
• Negotiate effectively with customers to achieve commercial objectives.

Skills

Account management

Negotiation

Influencing

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Time management

Organizational skills

Sales

Education

Grade 12

Tertiary education preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are looking for a commercially driven Account Manager to manage and grow a portfolio of SME and independent retail partners within the consumer electronics and technology environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving sales performance, developing strong retailer relationships, identifying new business opportunities and ensuring effective execution of business plans across assigned accounts. The role combines sales management, account development, stock planning, merchandising and commercial relationship management.

This is an ideal opportunity for an energetic, self-motivated sales professional who enjoys working closely with customers and has a strong understanding of the retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

Account Management

• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with assigned SME and independent retailers.
• Develop annual business plans and conduct quarterly business reviews with key retail partners.
• Drive execution of agreed business plans and strategic initiatives.
• Conduct regular retailer meetings and store visits to identify opportunities and address challenges.
• Analyse retailer sales, sell-out and stock-on-hand performance to identify risks and growth opportunities.
• Develop and implement account-specific growth initiatives.
• Achieve agreed quarterly and annual sell-in and sell-out targets.
• Develop strategies to grow revenue and market share across assigned accounts.
• Secure forward orders and manage retailer stock requirements to minimise stock-outs.
• Identify and pursue new commercial opportunities within existing retail accounts.
• Work with retail partners to maximise promotional and marketing opportunities.
• Negotiate effectively with customers to achieve commercial objectives.

Stock Planning & Account Administration

• Monitor retailer stock levels, sales trends and stock cover.
• Forecast future stock requirements and ensure appropriate model-stock levels.
• Identify ageing stock and develop corrective action plans with retailers.
• Provide accurate and timely weekly sales and sell-out reporting.
• Manage partner statements, billings, expenses and marketing claims in line with agreed processes and budgets.
• Resolve billing and account queries timeously.
• Ensure effective product placement and merchandising across assigned retail stores.
• Drive compliance with agreed merchandising and display standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve product visibility and in-store execution.
• Work closely with field merchandising teams to implement strategic initiatives.
• Monitor store-level execution and maintain an opportunity/action log.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with internal product, sales, finance, marketing and field teams to deliver account objectives.
• Collaborate with retail partners to execute strategic initiatives and promotional campaigns.
• Provide regular performance insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• Grade 12 with relevant tertiary education preferred.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a mass retail, independent retail or distribution sales environment.
• Experience managing SME or independent retail accounts.
• Knowledge of the consumer electronics/technology industry would be advantageous.
• Strong commercial and financial understanding.
• Proven sales and account management track record.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Energetic, passionate and self-motivated with a strong drive to achieve results.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable working across macOS/iOS environments.
• Valid driver's licence and own reliable vehicle essential.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.