About this role
A leading health food and supplement company is South Africa is seeking a Key Account Manager to drive, manage and implement the grocery channel strategy, with particular focus on the Foods portfolio. The key emphasis will be on Checkers and Pick n Pay in order to achieve the strategic sales and commercial objective of growing the Foods contribution. Implement and drive the Checkers and Pick n Pay key accounts strategies detailing all operational and key account objectives. Analyse, research and understand the Foods category, including competitors, market share, distribution, ranging opportunities and new product development. Work closely with the Trade Marketing Manager to identify opportunities and ensure seamless execution of brand activities in the trade. Negotiate annual trading terms in line with business plan. Negotiate ranging, new listings, price and promotional activity with regional and national buyers by key account. Build and maintain strong and effective relationships with all key people at key accounts. Management of all listing and de-listings through sales channels. Evaluate all promotions. Provide monthly and quarterly business updates according to formats and agreed deadlines. Work closely with the Channel Head: Grocery to ensure strategic alignment and key focus area for delivery. Work closely with the Operations team to ensure seamless execution in the trade and shelf space, planograms and forward share are maximised throughout. Review and manage claims and credit uplifts. Track infill rates per customer and ensure targets are met. Work closely with the Brand Manager: Foods and the Trade Marketing Manager to develop Foods focused strategies in order to achieve strategic objectives. Execute all Foods marketing, sales and innovation plans as per strategic and brand plans. Work closely with the Foods Innovation team to ensure all trends, opportunities and gaps are fully understood and maximised. Work with the Senior Management Team and Executive to formulate the Foods 5-year strategy. Provide direction on promotional plans, pricing and product launches in line with Sales & Marketing Strategy. Analyse and communicate all market and competitor information to Marketing, as well as highlighting opportunities. Correct positioning on shelf in-line with Marketing objectives. Management and implementation of planograms and layouts as set out by Trade Marketing. Provide short and medium term customer forecasts. Review account performance and implement corrective strategies. Use bi-annual range audits to manage product listing/ de-listing. Conduct top to top business reviews bi- annually. Manage and grow customer profitability including supporting regular store visits. Manage customer portals and access to data. Manage customer supply chain issues. Forecast annual sales budgets and capex expenses in line with guidelines. Manage costs against approved budget. Put in place cost control mechanisms and report a major deviation on cost. Report customer profitability and P&L Requirements: Matric Degree or Diploma would be an advantage 5-10 years retail key account management experience with particular focus on the Foods category in the Checkers and Pick n Pay channels. Successful track record of key account growth of major retailers/wholesalers. Candidates that meet the criteria may apply via this portal or via www.mnarecruitment.com Should you not receive feedback within 7 days, please accept your application as unsuccessful