Key Account Manager - Major Retail Chains

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Key Account Manager to lead relationships with major retail chains across Sandton and beyond. The role requires developing strategic account plans, driving sales performance, and coordinating with marketing, supply chain, and finance teams to maximize customer satisfaction and shelf presence.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in KAM within FMCG, excellent negotiation and communication skills, and a proven ability to build long-term partnerships with retailers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in key account management in FMCG with major retail exposure.
• Proven track record growing large retail accounts.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve and exceed sales targets for key retail accounts.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers within major retail chains.
• Understand retailer needs and market dynamics to identify opportunities for growth and product placement.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, promotions, and shelf space agreements.
• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, supply chain, finance) to ensure customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to inform account strategy.
• Present product portfolios, sales performance, and market insights to retail partners.
• Manage promotional calendars and ensure successful execution of in-store activities.
• Resolve customer issues and address concerns in a timely and effective manner.

Skills

Key Account Mgmt

Negotiation

Sales Strategy

CRM tools

Analytical Thinking

Stakeholder Mgmt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

CRM software

Sales analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading FMCG manufacturer, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Key Account Manager to manage and grow relationships with major retail chains across Sandton, Gauteng and beyond. This critical role involves developing strategic account plans, driving sales performance, and ensuring seamless collaboration between our client and their key retail partners. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the FMCG retail landscape, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven ability to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. This position, based in the commercial hub of Sandton , offers a challenging and rewarding career path with a hybrid work model for flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve and exceed sales targets for key retail accounts.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers within major retail chains.
• Understand retailer needs and market dynamics to identify opportunities for growth and product placement.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, promotions, and shelf space agreements.
• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, supply chain, finance) to ensure customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to inform account strategy.
• Present product portfolios, sales performance, and market insights to retail partners.
• Manage promotional calendars and ensure successful execution of in-store activities.
• Resolve customer issues and address concerns in a timely and effective manner.
• Stay informed about industry best practices and evolving retail trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in key account management, preferably within the FMCG sector with major retail exposure.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing large retail accounts.
• Exceptional negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment, with regular engagement in the Sandton, Gauteng office.
• Deep understanding of the South African retail landscape and FMCG market dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with senior stakeholders at retail organizations.
• Strong business acumen and financial understanding.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a generous performance-based bonus structure, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.
• This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a leading FMCG company.
• You will be part of a dynamic team in a stimulating environment, contributing to the success of key retail partnerships from our offices in Sandton , with the convenience of a hybrid work arrangement.