National Key Accounts Manager

Global Airways; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent airline company is seeking a dynamic National Key Accounts Manager to enhance client relations in South Africa. This role involves leading a team of Regional Key Accounts Managers and overseeing high-value national clients. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in account management within the airline or travel sector, excellent leadership skills, and a proven ability to negotiate favorable contracts. Applications close on 6th October.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales or related field is advantageous.
• Proven success in leading a sales/account management team within airline/travel/hospitality industry.
• Strong track record of managing national or key strategic accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of three Regional Key Accounts Managers.
• Build and maintain relationships with Travel Trade and corporate accounts.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing for beneficial outcomes.

Skills

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales

Tools

Sales and CRM tools

Job description

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic National Key Accounts Manager to lead and grow our key client relationships across South Africa.

In this pivotal role, you will manage, develop, and motivate a team of three Key Accounts Managers (based in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town), while also directly overseeing our high-value national clients.

The National Key Accounts Manager will drive win‑win partnerships, ensuring that client needs are understood and met, while maximising value for the airline.

What you'll be doing

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of three Regional Key Accounts Managers.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, performance, and client focus.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for national high‑value clients.
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with Travel Trade and corporate accounts.
• Ensure client satisfaction through proactive engagement, service recovery, and strategic account planning.
• Lead commercial growth by developing and implementing tailored account strategies to drive revenue growth.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for cross‑selling, upselling, and expanding client partnerships.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Oversee reporting, analytics, and insights to inform sales and distribution strategies.
• Champion process optimisation to improve efficiency and client delivery.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to deliver seamless client experiences.
• Act as an advocate for clients internally, ensuring their needs are understood and addressed.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activity, using insights to shape innovative solutions.

Key Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field (advantageous).

Experience

• Proven success in leading a sales / account management team, preferably within the airline, travel, or hospitality industry.
• Strong track record of managing national or key strategic accounts.
• Experience in contract negotiation, client relationship management, and delivering on revenue targets.
• Knowledge of sales and CRM tools.
• Knowledge of revenue management principles and distribution channels is advantageous.

Skills

• Exceptional leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to build and sustain senior‑level relationships.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills to deliver profitable client outcomes.
• Analytical and problem‑solving capability to transform data into actionable insights.
• Organisational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is COB Monday 6th October.