Key Account Manager | Shoprite

The Key Account Manager will be responsible for managing a portfolio of banners within the Shoprite Group, namely Medirite Plus, Transpharm, Liquor banners, Phillipi Cash & Carry & Red Star Wholesale. The individual must have entrepreneurial traits and be a self-starter, enabling them to deliver on sales, volume and profitability targets. The Key Account Manager needs to be able to devise a medium to long term plan for their banners, based on thorough understanding of the customers, trends and opportunities, with attention to detail. A creative, analytical, and go getter personality, oriented towards actions, who can build strong strategic customer relationships and collaborate within all pillars across the busines. The Individual needs to be able to work independently and enjoy traveling and interacting with customers & the field team to develop and define a picture of success within their banners.

Strategy

Manage the implementation of Red Bull's commercial strategy as cascaded by the business and National account manager into the relevant banner key customers. 

Develop mid to long term customer strategies in line with the overall national sales policy, with a strong focus on defining a picture of success for each banner.

Implement price strategies in line with company mandate and establish the customer pricing accordingly. 

Deliver a strong promotional plan that drives share and category growth and protects channel profitability, while creating a strong pull via sell out for the banners that pull from the existing Shoprite DCs.

Analysis and Planning

Analyze available data sources (e.g. Nielsen, scanner and customer data) and derive customer's performance & growth opportunities. 

Continuously plan sales forecast and prepare trade spend budget to hit profitability targets within the relevant customer banners.

Develop annual plans, including effective promotion strategy.  

Produce excellent conceptual selling decks and establish Red Bull as the category leader.

Execution

Conduct and lead yearly negotiation process at key customers within your portfolio in line with National Trading Terms and support in preparing and landing National negotiations.

Agree with customers on Red Bull's Perfect Store concept/ VIP programs/ Profit Zone concept / Permanent Category Solutions while enforcing conditionality for partial performance within the relevant banners.

Manage in trade partners for Merchandising and Execution within assigned portfolio. 

Tracking

Support tracking & reporting across the total Group by leveraging CPM, executive summary & business reporting platforms.

Prepare and discuss success of executed plans (e.g. promotions) with customers and show Red Bull’s contribution to the relevant banner's   business. 

Use Insights and data to manage the execution ranging and distribution in store effectively.

Collaboration

Continually research to understand customer needs better and respond with programmes (in line with the brand equity) that are mutually beneficial. 

Develop effective partnerships for Red Bull to be regarded as key supplier and engine for profitable growth in the relevant banners.

Strive for Category Captaincy with relevant banners retailers and lead a picture of success for their energy category.

Build strong inter company networks and establish a close cross-functional relationship with Field Sales, Operations team as well as Trade Marketing. Jointly develop winning customer category strategies and conceptual sells.

University Degree, preferably B.com Accounting Economics/Business Administration

A proven track record of 2-3 years professional experience as a Key Account Manager (grocery accounts will be highly beneficial).

Managing and controlling budgets, including investment and optimizing investment buckets.

Cross-functional experience in Trade Marketing/Consumer Marketing/Field Sales is a plus (not mandatory).

Network of existing contacts and trade relationships an advantage. 

Commercial acumen -- strong understanding of sales processes and financial systems. Strategic and innovative commercial awareness. Ideally can work with SAP/BI to plan and track sales results.

Analytical skills -- strong planning and negotiation skills with a sound understanding of financial bottom line implications of sales and marketing decisions. Able to analyze sales and customer data, take the best conclusion, develop initiatives with the highest value for the shopper, customer and Red Bull.

Negotiation experience -- successful front line retail negotiation experience and problem-solving skills.

Presentation skills -- demonstrate great presentation skills that provide highly relevant and commercially viable strategies/processes in a clear, concise and empowering way.

Fluency in English (verbal & written) 

Other languages are an advantage.

This job description is not exhaustive of the potential duties that the successful applicant will be required to perform, and is provided solely to assist potential job applicants in determining their suitability for the role and to apply for the job. It is not an offer of employment and Red Bull is under no obligation to hire an applicant who submits an application.