Key Account Manager

Durban / Kwazulu Natal / South Africa / Sales & Business Development / Full time

POSITION:

Key Account Manager – Based at Alpla Verigreen Pinetown, KZN.

MAIN PURPOSE:

The Key Account Manager serves as the primary contact for designated international accounts, handling and coordinating all customer requests. Their primary focus is to foster long-term relationships with customers while maximizing sales opportunities. They work closely with internal technical teams across production plants to ensure optimal customer satisfaction.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Build and maintain strong customer relationships, ensuring satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
2. Drive sales through direct channels, managing key accounts and acquiring new business in petroleum and personal care industries across Southern Africa.
3. Serve as the primary liaison between customers and internal teams to meet performance objectives.
4. Develop business plans, conduct article calculations, and oversee product launches to meet deadlines.
5. Manage customer pricing cycles, negotiate where necessary, and ensure optimal pricing levels.
6. Generate cost estimates for raw materials and overheads using the existing Matrix model.
7. Maximize sales and profitability by implementing competitive pricing strategies.
8. Participate in tenders, RFQs, contract negotiations, and project follow-ups.
9. Oversee contract management from business award to service level agreements.
10. Attend and contribute to weekly Sales & Operational Planning meetings.
11. Conduct periodic business and performance reviews with key customers.
12. Stay updated on market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments.
13. Meet assigned targets for profitable sales volume and strategic objectives.
14. Identify and implement solutions that address customer needs effectively.
15. Prepare annual sales budgets and provide monthly progress reports.
16. Deliver presentations on new projects for customers and sales teams.
17. Travel for high-level customer meetings to strengthen business relationships.
18. Follow up on overdue payments to ensure timely settlements.

REQUIREMENTS:

Completed technical or commercial bachelor's degree or master's degree in Sales / Marketing / Economics. Years of experience in Key Account Management or equivalent. An affinity for numbers and technical aspects of product manufacture. Enthusiasm for a demanding industrial product and technical understanding of the packaging industry, ideally plastic packaging.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WORKING WITH US:

1. Market-Related Salary.
2. Professional working environment with Global Exposure.
3. Medical Aid.
4. Employee Assistance Program.
5. We facilitate a smooth start through individual and accurate training and professional guidance and support.
6. We offer you a challenging task with a high degree of personal responsibility.
7. Your individual performance will be remunerated, and your development will be supported by us.