Key Account Manager

Network Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is looking for an experienced Key Account Manager in Durban to drive sales and revenue within key automotive accounts. You will be responsible for building relationships with decision-makers and ensuring client satisfaction while achieving sales targets. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in account management and a strong understanding of the automotive industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in key account management, sales, or business development.
• Proven success in the motor or automotive industry.
• Strong commercial acumen and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Achieve assigned sales revenue targets across automotive accounts.
• Build strong relationships with key decision-makers.
• Deliver monthly and quarterly business reviews focused on growth.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Problem-solving abilities

Organizational skills

Education

Higher Certificate or equivalent qualification (NQF 5)

Diploma or relevant business qualification (NQF 6)

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Achieving assigned sales and revenue targets across key automotive accounts.
• Growing revenue through up-selling and cross-selling aligned products and services (e.g. fleet management, aftermarket solutions, and vehicle tracking).
• Driving profitability through strategic pricing and account optimisation.
• Building strong, long-term relationships with key decision-makers from dealer principals to procurement leads.
• Understanding client operations, business cycles, and pain points to proactively offer solutions.
• Leading client account planning sessions to align on goals, performance, and opportunities.
• Ensuring that all service level agreements (SLAs) are met or exceeded.
• Managing proposal development and leading responses to RFQs / RFPs in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Delivering insightful monthly and quarterly business reviews, focused on growth, performance analysis, and risk mitigation.
• Continuously analysing account performance and trends, maintaining an accurate sales pipeline, and providing detailed reports to management.
• Retaining and expanding existing accounts by delivering consistent value and proactive service.
• Developing action plans for dormant or under performing accounts.

What Success Looks Like

• Meeting or exceeding revenue and profitability targets within assigned accounts.
• Building high-trust relationships that position you as a key strategic partner.
• Identifying and converting new opportunities within existing accounts.
• Maintaining high client retention and satisfaction levels.
• Delivering clear, actionable reporting and insights on account activity and health.

Who We\'re Looking For

• Experience & Industry Knowledge:
• 35 years experience in key account management, sales, or business development.
• Proven success working with clients in the motor or automotive industry (OEM, dealership, fleet, aftermarket, etc.).
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to understand complex business environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage long-term relationships and negotiate at senior levels.
• Sound understanding of vehicle-related products, services, or sales processes.
• Skills & Tools:
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Competent in MS Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) intermediate level or higher.
• Self-motivated with excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Qualifications:
• Minimum: Higher Certificate or equivalent qualification (NQF 5).
• Preferred: Diploma or relevant business qualification (NQF 6).
• Other Requirements:
• Valid Code 8 drivers license (not endorsed).
• Willingness to travel locally for client visits and reviews.