Key Account Manager - Retail

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Medical aid contribution

Performance-based commission

Professional growth and development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Key Account Manager to lead relationships with major retail accounts in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will drive sales growth, negotiate terms, and coordinate with marketing, operations and finance to execute effective account plans.

You will analyze market trends and performance data, identifying opportunities for expansion while maintaining excellent customer service across key partners and ensuring timely issue resolution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in Key Account Management within FMCG.
• Proven track record of growing major retail accounts.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of retail sales, category management and promotions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve sales targets.
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers in retail partners.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, promotions and shelf space to maximize visibility and sales.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations and finance to execute account plans.
• Analyze sales data, market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities and threats.
• Present product performance, forecasts and strategic recommendations to stakeholders.
• Ensure timely resolution of customer issues and high customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities for new product introductions and expanded ranges.
• Manage budgets and resources allocated to key accounts.

Skills

Key account management

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Sales analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business or related field

Tools

MS Excel

CRM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing FMCG company, is seeking a driven and experienced Key Account Manager to manage their most important retail accounts in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region. This role is fundamental to fostering strong, long-term relationships with key retail partners, ensuring optimal product placement, sales performance, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the retail landscape, excellent negotiation skills, and a passion for driving growth within the FMCG sector. This position offers the chance to work with a diverse portfolio of popular brands and contribute significantly to the company's success in a vibrant market. You will be the primary point of contact for major retail chains, representing our client's interests and driving collaborative business strategies. The role requires a proactive approach and a commitment to exceeding expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve and exceed sales targets for assigned key retail accounts.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers within retail partner organizations.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, promotions, and shelf space agreements to maximize product visibility and sales volume.
• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, operations, finance) to ensure seamless execution of account plans and promotional activities.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats for assigned accounts.
• Present product performance, sales forecasts, and strategic recommendations to key account stakeholders.
• Ensure timely resolution of customer issues and complaints, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities for new product introductions and expanded product ranges within key accounts.
• Manage budgets and resources allocated to key accounts effectively.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in Key Account Management, specifically within the FMCG industry and preferably with exposure to the retail sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing major retail accounts.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of retail sales processes, category management, and promotional planning.
• Proficiency in sales analysis and reporting using tools like MS Excel and CRM systems.
• Ability to travel within the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region and surrounding areas as required.
• Must be a self-starter with a proactive approach and a strong drive for results.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Performance-based commission structure.
• Travel allowance and expenses covered.
• Medical aid contribution.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the FMCG sector.
• Work with a portfolio of well-established and popular brands.
• A supportive team environment.