Key Account Manager - Automotive Sector

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Travel expense reimbursement

Health insurance

Retirement planning options

Paid time off

Discounts on automotive products

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, seeks a strategic Key Account Manager to grow long-term relationships with major automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers in the Free State. You will balance technical understanding with commercial acumen to identify opportunities, drive service delivery, and expand our client base.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, negotiate contracts and SLAs, and deliver value through innovative product or service solutions while maintaining a

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of key account management, sales or business development in automotive/manufacturing.
• Proven track record of growing key client relationships and meeting sales targets.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing process and supply chain dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic account plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Willingness to travel within the Free State and occasionally elsewhere.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to meet sales targets with automotive clients in Bloemfontein.
• Build and maintain relationships with decision-makers and stakeholders at client organizations.
• Understand client objectives and needs to identify opportunities for products and services.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and SLAs to ensure profitability.
• Act as primary contact for assigned key accounts and coordinate internal resources.
• Conduct regular business reviews to assess performance and gather feedback.
• Identify opportunities for new business within existing accounts.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and logistics to ensure timely delivery.
• Stay informed about industry trends and competitor activity in automotive sector.
• Prepare sales forecasts, reports, and presentations for management.

Skills

Key account management

Sales

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Interpersonal skills

CRM software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering or related field

Tools

CRM software

Sales management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant supplier of automotive components and solutions, is looking for a strategic and relationship-focused Key Account Manager to join their team in Bloemfontein. This role is integral to managing and expanding relationships with key automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers within the Free State province. You will be responsible for understanding the unique needs of these high-value clients, ensuring their satisfaction, and identifying opportunities for increased business through the provision of innovative products and services. The ideal candidate possesses a strong commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the automotive supply chain. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven professional to make a substantial impact in a crucial industrial sector, working closely with major players in the automotive market. We are seeking a proactive and customer-centric individual who can foster long-term partnerships and drive mutual growth. The position requires a blend of technical understanding and commercial expertise, essential for success in this demanding field. The focus will be on strategic account development and ensuring seamless service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve and exceed sales targets with key automotive clients in the Bloemfontein area.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders at client organizations.
• Understand client business objectives, challenges, and needs to proactively identify opportunities for our client's products and services.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, pricing, and service level agreements to ensure client satisfaction and profitability.
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned key accounts, coordinating internal resources to meet client demands.
• Conduct regular business reviews with clients to assess performance, gather feedback, and strengthen the partnership.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new business within existing accounts, including product expansion and new project involvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery and high-quality service.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and technological advancements within the automotive sector.
• Prepare accurate sales forecasts, reports, and presentations for management.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in key account management, sales, or business development, preferably within the automotive industry or a related manufacturing sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing key client relationships and achieving sales targets.
• Strong understanding of the automotive manufacturing process and supply chain dynamics is highly desirable.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic account plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in CRM software and other sales management tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to travel within the Free State province and occasionally to other regions.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and customer-focused approach.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive programs.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning options.
• Company vehicle and travel expense reimbursement.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training in sales and automotive technologies.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Employee discounts on automotive products and services.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment focused on innovation.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
• Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions.
• Team-building activities and company events.