Key Account Manager - National Retail FMCG

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Commission & bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Paid time off

Remote-friendly

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Key Account Manager for national retail accounts in South Africa. This fully remote role requires building strong relationships with major retailers, driving sales, and ensuring product distribution and visibility across the market.

You will collaborate with sales, marketing and supply chain teams, negotiate terms, analyze performance data, and develop strategic account plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in Key Account Management or Sales, preferably FMCG.
• Proven track record managing large national retail accounts.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of SA retail environment and FMCG dynamics.
• Ability to develop strategic account plans and manage remote accounts.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic account plans for national retail accounts.
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers at national retail chains.
• Identify growth opportunities including product placement, promotions, and new product introductions.
• Negotiate terms of business, pricing, and promotions with retail partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing, operations) to execute plans and meet customer requirements.
• Analyze sales performance data and market insights to provide strategic recommendations.
• Manage account profitability and resolve customer issues promptly.
• Present business reviews and performance updates to partners and management.
• Stay informed about market trends and retailer needs.
• Effectively manage and develop a portfolio of key accounts from a remote location.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Sales strategy

Remote work

CRM software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Admin/Marketing/Sales

Tools

CRM software

Sales analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced and driven Key Account Manager to manage crucial national retail accounts. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to manage your responsibilities from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for developing and nurturing strong relationships with major national retail partners, driving sales growth, and ensuring optimal product distribution and visibility. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional negotiation skills, a strategic approach to account management, and a deep understanding of the FMCG retail landscape in South Africa. This role is pivotal in ensuring the continued success and expansion of our client's brands within key retail channels. We are looking for a proactive, results-oriented professional who can effectively manage complex client portfolios and collaborate internally with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to achieve commercial objectives. Your ability to understand retailer needs and translate them into mutually beneficial partnerships will be key to your success in this dynamic role. This remote opportunity demands strong communication and organizational abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve sales targets for key national retail accounts.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers at national retail chains.
• Identify opportunities for business growth, including product placement, promotions, and new product introductions.
• Negotiate terms of business, pricing, and promotional activities with retail partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing, operations) to ensure effective execution of account plans and delivery of customer requirements.
• Analyze sales performance data and market insights to provide strategic recommendations.
• Manage account profitability and ensure timely resolution of any customer issues or queries.
• Present business reviews and performance updates to retail partners and internal management.
• Stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and the evolving needs of the retail sector.
• Effectively manage and develop a portfolio of key accounts from a remote location.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in Key Account Management or Sales, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large national retail accounts.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of the South African retail environment and FMCG market dynamics.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic account plans.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales analytics tools.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, crucial for a remote role.
• Ability to work independently and proactively to drive results.
• This position is fully remote , requiring a dedicated home office setup and reliable internet connection.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based commission and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexibility of a fully remote working arrangement, offering excellent work-life balance.
• Chance to work with leading FMCG brands and major retail partners.
• Annual performance incentives and recognition programs.