WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
We are looking for a proactive and results-driven Assistant Key Accounts Manager in Modern Trade who is passionate about building strong customer relationships and driving business growth.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Client Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with regional Modern Trade accounts.
- Understand customer business objectives and develop growth strategies.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the accounts and internal cross-functional teams.
- Ensure timely resolution of account queries, service issues, and operational challenges. Account Planning:
- Develop annual and quarterly business plans for assigned Modern Trade accounts.
- Identify opportunities for new product listings, promotions, and category expansion.
- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to execute account strategies.
- Drive sales growth while ensuring profitability.
Communication & Negotiation:
- Present product portfolios, promotional plans, and business proposals to customers.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing, trade promotions, and annual business plans.
- Build collaborative partnerships to achieve mutual business objectives.
- Resolve commercial and operational issues effectively.
Sales & Supply Chain Coordination:
- Coordinate with Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Warehouse, and Logistics teams to ensure timely order fulfilment.
- Monitor inventory levels and ensure product availability across stores.
- Minimise stock-outs and optimise replenishment planning.
- Track purchase orders, deliveries, and promotional execution.
Performance Tracking & Reporting:
- Monitor sales performance, account profitability, product availability, and customer service levels.
- Analyse sales trends, category performance, and promotional effectiveness.
- Recommend corrective actions to improve business performance.
Market Analysis & Strategy Development:
- Stay updated on retail trends, competitor activities, and consumer insights.
- Identify new business opportunities within existing Modern Trade accounts.
- Work closely with the Marketing team on in-store promotions, visibility initiatives, and product launches.
- Develop strategies to increase market share within assigned accounts.
DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE:
- 2+ years of experience in Key Account Management, Modern Trade Sales, or FMCG Sales.
- Experience handling Modern Trade accounts such as, Spencer’s, Lulu, Spar or similar organised retail chains is plus
- Strong communication, relationship management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple accounts in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM/ERP systems.
- Strong analytical, planning, and business management skills.
- Experience managing annual business plans (ABPs), trade promotions, and customer negotiations.
QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:
- MBA in Marketing, Sales, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Experience in FMCG, Food & Beverage, Consumer Goods, Personal Care, or Retail industry.
- Good understanding of Modern Trade operations, category management, sales planning, inventory management, and supply chain coordination.