Key Account Manager

A high-end skincare and lifestyle brand that caters to consumers’ needs for non-toxic and luxury-based products is looking for a Key Account Manager to drive growth and profitability in key product categories through strategic planning, customer relationship management, and effective execution. The successful candidate will be a results-oriented individual with a passion for building strong partnerships and achieving business objectives. 

Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Strategic Planning and Analysis: 
• Collaborate with the National Commercial Manager to develop annual trading terms, ensuring accuracy in record-keeping and trade spend management 
• Conduct comprehensive P&L analysis, GTN analysis, and forecasting to identify growth opportunities and strategic priorities 
• Drive range reviews bi-annually to optimise product assortment and distribution
• Customer Relationship Management: 
• Cultivate strong relationships with key customers, including buyers, planners, and finance representatives 
• Conduct quarterly meetings to review category and customer sales performance and identify growth opportunities 
• Develop customer-specific plans aligned with retailer strategies to drive volume and value growth
• Sales Execution and Performance Monitoring: 
• Implement sales plans in alignment with customer strategies, focusing on availability, price competitiveness, and promotional activities  
• Utilise sales performance indicators and market insights to drive actionable solutions for improved performance  
• Input into rolling sales forecasts and identify potential shortfalls against targets 
• Pricing and Trade Marketing: 
• Collaborate with marketing to implement pricing strategies and manage market dynamics and competitor pricing 
• Ensure timely implementation of price changes and accurate pricing in customer ERP systems 
• Cross-functional Collaboration:  
• Foster collaboration with internal teams including marketing, trade marketing, finance, and supply chain to ensure alignment on promotional plans and customer initiatives 
• Coordinate with various departments to meet omnichannel requirements, including POS materials, marketing collateral, and new store openings 
• Customer Service and Operations: 
• Maintain effective communication with customers regarding orders, deliveries, and complaints resolution  
• Coordinate with finance and legal departments on billing, invoicing, and trade spend tracking 
• Provide detailed operational briefs to regional sales managers for flawless execution of promotional activities and ranging updates 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Proven experience in key account management or commercial roles preferably within the beauty industry 
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in P&L analysis and forecasting 
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities 
• Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and drive results in a dynamic environment 

BENEFITS: 

• The opportunity to play a key role in the growth and management of one of South Africa’s most exciting small enterprises 
• Opportunity to add value on the processes and systems put in place 
• Opportunity to grow in the company and gain cross-functional experience  
• Working with a small SME that allows for creative thinking and innovative leadership