Our client, a well-established wine producer, is seeking an experienced National Key Accounts Manager to join their growing sales team in Cape Town. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned liquor trade professional to take ownership of key national retail relationships and drive significant business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with major retailers including Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Spar, Makro, and other key wholesalers
- Sales Growth: Drive volume sales and achieve ambitious targets across your portfolio of national accounts
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute account-specific strategies to maximize market penetration and profitability
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing and regional sales teams to ensure seamless execution
- Market Intelligence: Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities
- Reporting: Provide detailed sales reports, market insights, and strategic recommendations to senior management
Requirements
Essential Experience:
- 10+ years in the liquor trade (alcoholic beverages specifically)
- 5+ years in key account management role within off-trade channels
- Established relationships with major South African retailers and wholesalers
- Proven track record of achieving sales targets in FMCG/alcoholic beverage industry
Technical Skills:
- Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency (pivot tables, advanced filters, dashboards)
- Strong Adobe Acrobat skills for reporting
- Excellent analytical and commercial acumen
- Advanced negotiation capabilities
Personal Attributes:
- Integrity - absolutely essential in their family-owned culture
- Strong relationship-building skills
- Resilient and results-driven
- Self-motivated with focus on continuous development
- Excellent communication skills in English and Afrikaans
Practical Requirements:
- Valid driver's license and own reliable transport
- Willingness to travel extensively (approximately 75% travel across South Africa)
- Available for occasional client entertainment (dinners, golf days)
- Clean criminal record
Benefits
Compensation Package:
- Competitive base salary: R1.1M - R1.5M per annum
- Performance-based incentives
- Exceptional candidates may command premium salaries
Benefits Include:
- Company vehicle with fuel card
- Cell phone and laptop
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Unique perks reflecting their wine heritage
- Opportunities for career advancement
Work Environment:
- Field-based role with Cape Town office support
- Family-owned company culture with minimal bureaucracy
- High degree of autonomy and trust
- Focus on results rather than micromanagement
