National Account Manager Johannesburg

National Account Manager
Our client, a leading distributor and manufacturer of household goods throughout South Africa, is looking for a National Account Manager for their division based in Gauteng.

You will have the overall responsibility for the sales objectives of the individual brand - sales & margins.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Responsible for formulation & implementation of customer strategies once approved to achieve sales volumes, margins, & share targets at the budget cost & margins for a division or major geographical area.
2. Manage & ensure that all records are continually updated & maintain individual contact with key customers & management.
3. Conceptualize, develop, manage, & implement a sales strategy to achieve brand objectives through accurate forecasting.
4. Manage brand sales strategy & ensure a correct product & customer mix to achieve the targeted sales at the required margin - thus achieve annual sales budgets, targets, & margins.
5. Effectively communicate the value proposition.
6. Stay informed of local & international trends in terms of product innovation ideas & market trends.
7. Maintain a consistent pipeline of sales & supply regular forecasts quarterly while keeping top management informed of any potential changes.
8. Collaborate / partner & build strategic relationships with all current customers while seeking new ones.
9. Initiate new channels & markets to expand & grow the business.
10. Contribute to ensuring continued product development.
11. Positively influence alignment of Sales & Marketing strategies thus contribute to growth of customer base to optimize margin opportunities.
12. Analyze & drive our largest clients in business forward by using the data given by the client & driving commercial insight with the merchandiser & planner.
13. Monitor local & international industry trends.
14. Accurately forecast fashion items to maximize returns, & reduce usage of provisions & write-backs.
15. Accountability for maintenance of service-levels, & reduction of credit & returns.
16. Assist with sales forecasts & collection of overdue accounts.
17. Resolve customer complaints or problems.
18. Manage & monitor customer satisfaction & retention.
19. Advise customers on technical or procedural issues.
20. Execute brand sales strategy in alignment with divisional strategy.
21. Achieve brand sales targets at required margins.
22. Prepare sales expenses & effectively manage expenditure.
23. Initiate & develop new channels & markets.
24. Accurately forecast sales & profits.
25. Maintain solid communication with general site managers to ensure efficient balance of production.

Desired Experience & Qualification

1. Diploma / Degree or equivalent in Sales & Marketing.
2. 6+ years' sales & marketing experience.
3. Furniture manufacturing experience will be an added advantage.

Local travel required, one / two weeks per month.