Key Accounts Manager

Fourier Recruitment; Bethlehem; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the animal feed industry is seeking a Technical Advisor to establish strong relationships with clients in various livestock sectors. The role requires expertise in animal nutrition and sales, with a focus on providing high-quality client support and strategic growth initiatives. Candidates should possess a strong educational background in Animal Science and significant experience in technical advisory roles. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact within the organization and the livestock community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in technical advisory or sales in animal feed.
• Proven track record with clients in swine, beef, or poultry.
• Valid Driver’s License and SACNASP registration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with clients in livestock sectors.
• Provide nutritional and management guidance; coordinate production and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic growth plans for key accounts.

Skills

Understanding of ruminant and monogastric nutrition

Client engagement

Sales skills

Composure in high-pressure situations

Strong computer skills

Knowledge of cost structures and budgeting

Independent planning and management

Education

BSc Agriculture (Animal Science/Nutrition)

Tertiary qualification in Animal Science or related

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key clients across various livestock sectors, acting as the primary liaison to ensure satisfaction, trust, and long-term partnerships.


• Provide expert nutritional and management guidance, including interpreting farm data and advising on performance improvements.


• Coordinate closely with production, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure timely and consistent product delivery aligned with client expectations.


• Contribute to sales forecasting by providing accurate client demand data and growth projections to assist in production planning.


• Lead frontline communication during client crises by providing rapid, data-informed solutions that minimize impact and reinforce client trust.


• Develop and implement strategic growth plans for key accounts, identifying cross-selling opportunities and optimizing product mix.


• Participate in grower days, technical forums, and training events to represent the company, deliver value0added knowledge, and strengthen brand credibility.


• Provide support in feed-related claim investigations and ensure resolution processes protect both the customer relationship and the company’s interest.


• Maintain accurate records of account activities, customer interactions, sales forecasts, and visit reports using the company’s CRM and reporting tools.

Skills Required

• Solid understanding of ruminant and monogastric nutrition principles.


• Capable of engaging with diverse clients – from commercial farmers to integrators – across different livestock sectors with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly and persuasively.


• Skilled in identifying client needs, presenting solutions, overcoming objections and closing sales, while maintaining long-term relationship integrity.


• Maintains composure and constructive client engagements even in high-pressure situations (e.g. animal health issues, performance complaints, delivery delays).


• Strong computer skills.


• Understands cost structures, budgeting, return-on-investment analysis etc.


• Able to independently plan farm visits, manage diverse accounts across large geographical areas, and maintain follow-ups without supervision.

Minimum Requirements:

• A tertiary qualification in Animal Science, Animal Production or related will serve as a minim requirement.


• BSc Agriculture (Animal Science/Nutrition) preferred


• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in technical advisory or sales within the animal feed industry.


• Proven track record of working with clients in at least two of the following: swine, beef or poultry.


• Valid Driver’s License


• SACNASP registration is an advantage.

Desired Skills:

• Key Accounts
• Agriculture
• Sales