South Africa: National Key Account Manager posted by Joubert & Associates

LK Products, a division of Bidvest Group, offers locally produced, quality braai accessories, cookware, camping essentials and other household accessories to the South African market. Their innovative product range has offered practical and effective cooking, outdoor and domestic solutions since 1989. The company currently has an opportunity for an experienced and skilled National Key Account Manager to join their team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the relationships with key customers to ensure long-term success of the company. The ideal candidate will be able to build strong trusting relationships with strategic customers by identifying the relevant needs and requirements for sustaining and growing the business to achieve long-term success.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct strategic planning to improve customer results
• Ensure thorough understanding of key customer needs and requirements
• Establish and oversee internal budgets with the company and external budgets with customers
• Negotiate contracts with customers and establish timeline of performance
• Work with managers and team members of various departments (e.g., design, sales team, creative, advertising, logistics, managers, marketing, etc.) dedicated to the same customer account to ensure that the highest quality of materials are being produced and all customer needs are met
• Collaborate with the sales team to maximise profit by up-selling or cross-selling
• Resolve customers complaints
• Ensure the correct products and services are delivered to customers in a timely manner
• Facilitate expansion of relationships with existing customers given their specific need and bring in new customers
• Serve as the link of communication between key customers and internal teams
• Analyse customer data to provide effective customer relationship management
• Develop trust relationships and maintain current relationships with a portfolio of major customers
• Prepare weekly/monthly reports of progress and forecasts to internal and external stakeholders using key account metrics
• Plan and present reports on account progress, goals, and quarterly initiatives

Requirements:

• Matric
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, sales, or relevant field would be advantageous
• At least 4-5 years sales / management / key account management experience within a retail / wholesale environment (non-negotiable)
• Proven experience in delivering customer solutions and meeting sales goals
• Well-developed time management skills
• Team player with high level of emotional intelligence
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Computer literate (experience with CRM software would be beneficial)
• Self-motivated and results-driven
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to analyse data and translate into results
• Exceptional organisational skills
• Well-developed management skills
• Drivers licence and own transport
• Willingness to travel

A market-related salary with incentive scheme will be negotiated based on qualifications, skills and experience.