Strategic Account Manager

Elanco Tiergesundheit Ag; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A global animal health company is seeking a Strategic Account Manager in South Africa to drive sales growth and maintain relationships with strategic accounts. Responsibilities include executing account plans, identifying market trends, and negotiating commercial agreements. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science and a proven track record in key account management, particularly in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Strong communication skills and fluency in English are required. Travel within the territory will be necessary.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in account management or sales within the animal health industry.
• Ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans.
• Build long-term relationships with key decision-makers.
• Achieve sales targets while growing market share.

Skills

Key account management

Sales strategies

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Fluent English

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM software

Job description

Strategic Account Manager page is loaded## Strategic Account Managerlocations : ZA - Centuriontime type : Full timeposted on : Posted Todayjob requisition id : R At Elanco (NYSE : ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets.

At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success.

Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your role

The Strategic Account Manager (SAM) will play a crucial role in driving sales growth and developing trusted long-term relationships with strategic accounts within the Sub‑Saharan Africa export territory. The SAM will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic account plans, managing a portfolio of key distributors and producers, offering value‑added solutions whilst maximizing profitable sales opportunities across our portfolio of leading animal health products. This opportunity is ideal for a highly‑motivated commercial professional with outstanding interpersonal skills, who can navigate diverse markets and cultures, and consistently deliver commercial results.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and monitor strategic account plans to achieve or exceed agreed sales and distribution goals within assigned territories.
• Prepare robust territory business plans mapped to commercial objectives and execute strategic account plans for key distributors and veterinary clinics within the assigned territory, focusing on achieving sales targets and growing market share.
• Identify emerging business opportunities, market trends, and potential sales risks in export markets.
• Build and nurture strong, long‑term relationships with key decision‑makers at assigned accounts, establishing trust and credibility.
• Action and present business reviews with accounts / distributors to demonstrate Elanco's value, address needs, and identify new opportunities.
• Drive sales of the company's animal health products within the territory, achieving or exceeding assigned sales targets focusing on market share gains and new product launches.
• Negotiate and manage commercial agreements, pricing, and contract terms with key accounts.
• Coordinate internal resources (technical, supply chain, regulatory) to deliver on customer commitments.
• Conduct regular market analysis to identify opportunities and threats, and adapt sales strategies accordingly.
• Stay informed about competitor activities, market trends, and customer needs.
• Act as the "voice of the customer" within Elanco, championing their requirements across internal teams e.g. Marketing, Technical, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams.
• Work with Technical Services and local teams to support customer training, technical adoption, and differentiated service.
• Ensure accurate 12 month rolling forecasts are provided for key / identified distributors / customers with an emphasis on continued improvement on Forecast Accuracy.
• Provide regular reports / communication on account performance, market conditions, competitor activities, threats & opportunities, with solutions on identified issues / challenges.
• Minimize over stocks / expired stock and / or out of stocks by sourcing In Country Sales Out Data, with relevant analysis & action to ensure stock levels are maintained within months cover targets.
• Travel regularly within the assigned Sub‑Saharan Africa territory to visit clients and attend industry events, as required.
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines, including those related to sales practices and interactions with healthcare professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science, Animal Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven track record of success in key account management or sales within the animal health industry, ideally with experience in the Sub‑Saharan Africa region.
• A demonstrable network of contacts in the region would be highly beneficial.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English (and French, proficiency in Portuguese would be a significant advantage).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret market data and make informed decisions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and results‑oriented approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned territory.

Elanco is an EEO / Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE : ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society.

With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities.

At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose CSR framework – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet.

Learn more at .