National Key Accounts Manager

The HEINEKEN Company; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A major beverage company is seeking a National Key Account Manager in Johannesburg. This role involves overseeing the beverage portfolio across strategic accounts to drive growth and profitability through tailored strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in account management and strategic planning, along with the ability to build client relationships and leverage data for decision-making. The position requires eligibility to work in South Africa and a degree in business or marketing is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in account management with major clients.
• Ability to build and maintain long-term relationships.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Heineken Beverage portfolio across strategic key accounts.
• Drive growth by executing tailored account strategies.
• Collaborate on joint business planning with major accounts.

Skills

Strategic Account Management

Client Relationship Management

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

Job description

We Go Places! How about you?

Immediate Superior: Premium On Premise GM

Location: Johannesburg

Function: Commerce

Sub Function: Sales

Type of Contract: PermanentReference Number: 141891

Closing Date: 11/08/2025

• Purpose of the job
  
  

The National Key Account Manager will oversee the Heineken Beverage portfolio across strategic key accounts, driving growth and profitability by executing tailored account strategies. A key responsibility of this role will be to collaboratively drive joint business planning with major accounts, ensuring that both parties are aligned on long-term goals, strategies, and performance metrics. You will be instrumental in executing these plans relentlessly to achieve shared business objectives and exceed sales targets.

• Key Responsibilities
• Strategic Account Management & Joint Business Planning: Work closely with key accounts to develop collaborative, joint business plans that align with Heineken’s goals and account-specific strategies. Engage in regular, proactive planning sessions to ensure mutual goals are clear and strategies are continuously refined and executed.
• Execution Excellence: Relentlessly drive the execution of joint business plans, ensuring that each action is carried out with precision. Focus on delivering key milestones, monitoring progress, and adjusting strategies to overcome challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and nurture long-term, trust-based relationships with major clients to ensure their loyalty and prevent churn. Understand and anticipate their evolving needs and business goals, offering solutions that deliver mutual value.
• Sales Growth & Performance: Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, maximizing revenue potential through effective product, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Market Insights & Strategy Execution: Continuously monitor market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activity to ensure our strategies are aligned with industry shifts and customer expectations.
• Problem Resolution & Customer Satisfaction: Address and resolve customer issues promptly to maintain trust and positive working relationships. Ensure the timely delivery of products and services that meet customer needs.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Coordinate with internal teams (marketing, operations, finance, supply chain) to ensure seamless execution of customer strategies and brand initiatives. Foster cross-functional collaboration to optimize business results.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage sales data, KPIs, and performance metrics to evaluate account progress and forecast future growth. Regularly report on account performance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Category & Channel Management: Apply category management principles to optimize account performance, aligning product offerings with consumer trends while ensuring profitability.
• Brand Activation: Lead the planning and execution of consumer touchpoints and marketing campaigns (ATL, POS, ROI, sponsorships, events) to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure all activities align with legal, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements while adhering to Heineken’s policies and procedures.
• Job Requirements
  
  

3.1. Education

• A Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field will be advantageous.
  
  

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Heineken Beverages (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd) is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.

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