Account Manager - Active Retail

Core Group ZA; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Group ZA is seeking an experienced Account Manager to grow strategic retail partnerships within the consumer technology and lifestyle products space. You will drive sales growth, account development, retail execution and partner relationships across e-commerce, sporting goods and mass retail channels.

You will work with retail partners and internal teams to develop business plans, maximise opportunities and ensure strong in-store and online execution.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in retail sales, account management or distribution.
• Proven experience managing major retail or e-commerce accounts.
• Experience with national retailers such as Amazon, Takealot, TotalSports, Sportsmans Warehouse is advantageous.
• Experience in consumer electronics, technology, sporting goods or lifestyle products is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual account plans and lead quarterly business reviews with assigned customers.
• Drive sell-in and sell-out targets and optimise stock levels across accounts.
• Represent the brand across retail stores and online channels with strong merchandising.
• Collaborate with Product, Sales, Marketing and Finance to develop business plans and opportunities.
• Travel locally and internationally as required to manage partnerships.

Skills

Account management

Relationship building

Negotiation

Sales analytics

Time management

Education

Grade 12

Tertiary education preferred

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Account Manager to manage and grow strategic retail partnerships within the consumer technology and lifestyle products environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving sales growth, account development, retail execution and partner relationships across a portfolio of leading retail and e-commerce customers. This role requires someone who understands the dynamics of large retail environments and can effectively manage relationships across e-commerce, sporting goods, specialist and mass retail channels.

You will work closely with retail partners and internal product, sales, marketing, finance and field teams to develop business plans, maximise sales opportunities, optimise stock levels and ensure exceptional in-store and online execution.

Key Responsibilities

Account & Relationship Management

• Manage and develop strong, long-term relationships with key retail and e-commerce partners.
• Develop annual account plans and lead quarterly business reviews with assigned customers.
• Establish clear commercial objectives and ensure agreed business plans are effectively executed.
• Build relationships at both head-office and store level.
• Conduct regular customer meetings and store visits to identify opportunities, resolve challenges and strengthen partnerships.
• Analyse customer performance, identify risks and develop actionable plans to drive growth.
• Deliver agreed quarterly and annual sell-in and sell-out targets.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase revenue and market share across assigned accounts.
• Secure forward orders and proactively manage customer demand to minimise stock-outs.
• Identify and convert new commercial opportunities within existing retail partnerships.
• Develop account-specific growth initiatives and track delivery against agreed objectives.
• Work with partners to maximise promotional, marketing and seasonal trading opportunities.
• Negotiate effectively to achieve mutually beneficial commercial outcomes.

Stock Planning & Performance Management

• Monitor weekly sales, sell-out and stock-on-hand performance.
• Analyse stock cover, sales trends and inventory ageing to identify potential risks.
• Forecast future stock requirements and work with partners to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Develop corrective action plans for underperforming or overstocked products.
• Provide accurate and timely sales and performance reporting to internal stakeholders.

Retail & E-commerce Execution

• Ensure products are effectively represented across retail stores and digital channels.
• Drive strong merchandising, product visibility and display execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve product positioning and customer conversion.
• Work with field teams and retail partners to execute national and account-specific initiatives.
• Monitor execution against agreed retail standards and business plans.
• Support promotional campaigns and ensure agreed activities are implemented on time.

Account Administration & Financial Management

• Manage partner statements, billings, expenses and marketing claims in accordance with agreed processes and budgets.
• Ensure account queries are resolved promptly and effectively.
• Maintain accurate account records and reporting.
• Monitor customer activity and provide insights to support commercial decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Field teams.
• Communicate customer insights, opportunities and risks to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives to ensure successful execution.
• Represent the business professionally when engaging with senior retail stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

• Grade 12 with relevant tertiary education preferred.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a retail sales, account management or distribution environment.
• Proven experience managing major retail and/or e-commerce accounts.
• Experience working with retailers such as Amazon, Takealot, TotalSports, Sportsmans Warehouse or similar national retail partners would be highly advantageous.
• Experience within the consumer electronics, technology, sporting goods or lifestyle product sectors would be advantageous.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and relationship-management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Energetic, passionate and self-motivated with a strong commercial drive.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and confidence working within macOS/iOS environments.
• Valid driver's licence and own reliable vehicle essential.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.