Key Account Manager - National Retail Chains

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses and commissions

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Travel allowance within KwaZulu-Natal

Employee product discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Key Account Manager to oversee relationships with major national retail chains from our Richards Bay base in KwaZulu-Natal. You will drive sales growth, negotiate terms, and develop strategic plans to maximize profitability and shelf presence.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in KAM or Sales, with a strong FMCG retail background and proficiency in forecasting and CRM tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in Key Account Management or Sales, FMCG preferred.
• Proven track record with large national retail accounts and targets.
• Strong understanding of retail, category management, and merchandising.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with sales forecasting and CRM systems.
• Willingness to travel within KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field.
• Strong analytical skills and customer-centric mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with national retail accounts and drive growth.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans to hit sales targets in Richards Bay.
• Conduct regular business reviews with key stakeholders.
• Negotiate pricing, promotions, and listing terms.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to guide strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing, supply chain and finance for execution.
• Identify new product listings and expanded distribution opportunities.
• Forecast for assigned accounts and communicate changes timely.
• Monitor competitor activity and market dynamics affecting key accounts.
• Present business proposals to retail buyers and senior decision-makers.

Skills

Key Account Management

Sales

Negotiation

Presentation

CRM software

Forecasting

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing or related field

Tools

CRM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished manufacturer within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a results-oriented Key Account Manager to manage relationships with major national retail chains. This role is based in the bustling port city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, and is central to driving sales growth and ensuring our client's products maintain prominent shelf space. You will be the primary point of contact for key accounts, responsible for understanding their needs, negotiating terms, and developing strategic plans to maximize sales and profitability. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional commercial acumen, a deep understanding of the retail landscape in KwaZulu-Natal, and a proven history of success in managing large, complex accounts. This is a demanding but rewarding position offering the chance to shape significant commercial partnerships and influence product strategy within the dynamic FMCG market. Our client values a proactive approach and is committed to supporting its team's professional development. Operating from Richards Bay provides strategic access to key distribution channels in the province. Join our client and become an indispensable partner to leading retailers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and nurture relationships with key national retail accounts, fostering strong partnerships and driving mutual growth.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve or exceed sales targets for assigned accounts in Richards Bay.
• Conduct regular business reviews with key stakeholders to track performance, identify opportunities, and address challenges.
• Negotiate pricing, promotional activities, and listing agreements to secure favorable terms for our client.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to provide insights and recommendations for account strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, supply chain, finance) to ensure seamless execution of account plans and customer needs.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new product listings and expanded distribution within key accounts.
• Manage the forecasting process for assigned accounts, ensuring accuracy and timely communication.
• Stay informed about competitor activities and market dynamics affecting key accounts.
• Present business proposals and solutions effectively to retail buyers and decision-makers.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Key Account Management or Sales, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large national retail accounts and exceeding sales targets.
• Strong understanding of the retail environment, including category management and merchandising principles.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in sales forecasting and CRM software.
• Ability to travel regularly within KwaZulu-Natal and potentially other regions.
• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret sales data.
• Resilient and driven, with a customer-centric approach to business.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Richards Bay or nearby areas.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary package of R.
• Generous performance-based bonuses and commission structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Exposure to major players in the FMCG retail landscape.
• Travel allowance and support for business-related travel within KwaZulu-Natal.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Employee product discounts and related perks.
• Contribute significantly to a leading FMCG company's success in the Richards Bay region.