The Key Account Manager (KAM) for Checkers will be responsible for the overall management of the Checkers account, ensuring client satisfaction, business growth, and operational excellence. This role serves as the primary point of contact for Checkers, proactively managing their needs, driving sales, and ensuring seamless execution across internal teams. The KAM will also be responsible for expanding business opportunities within the existing client base and fostering new business relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
Client Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders at Checkers.
- Act as the lead contact for all client matters, ensuring clear and effective communication.
- Proactively identify client needs, opportunities, and challenges, and provide tailored solutions.
- Resolve client issues and complaints promptly and effectively.
Account & Performance Management
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of Checkers’ operational and strategic requirements.
- Manage and monitor KPIs and overall account performance to ensure business objectives are met.
- Oversee internal and external budgets, ensuring financial targets are achieved.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, merchandising, logistics, warehousing, etc.) to ensure smooth execution of client projects.
- Plan and present reports on account progress, goals, and performance metrics to internal teams and stakeholders.
Strategic Planning & Growth
- Develop and implement strategies to drive business growth and improve client satisfaction.
- Identify opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and expanding product offerings.
- Negotiate contracts and establish performance timelines in collaboration with Checkers.
- Lead strategic planning initiatives to enhance sales performance and client engagement.
Operational Execution & Team Leadership
- Manage the internal account team assigned to Checkers, ensuring alignment on key objectives.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to ensure high performance and professional growth.
- Ensure all deliverables and commitments to Checkers are met within agreed timelines.
- Maintain up-to-date client documentation and ensure accurate records are kept.
- Work closely with warehouse and logistics teams when necessary to ensure timely order fulfillment.
Key Requirements:
Experience & Industry Knowledge
- Proven experience in wholesale retail account management, preferably in FMCG.
- Previous experience working with Checkers or similar key retail accounts is highly advantageous.
- Strong understanding of retail operations, supply chain, and merchandising.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze sales and client data for strategic decision-making.
- Goal-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and CRM software.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative while also collaborating with internal teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Qualifications & Additional Requirements
- Candidate must reside in CPT and first language must be Afrikaans.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Sales, or a relevant field (preferred).
- 4-5 years of experience in key account management, sales, or a related role.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and own reliable transport (frequent client and store visits required).
- Willingness to travel occasionally as needed.
- The candidate must be fluent in English and Afrikaans.