Key Account Manager

  • Permanent
  • Cape Town, 7405, South Africa View on Map
  • posted 2 days ago
  • Posted : July 7, 2026 -Accepting applications

Job Description

JOB TITLE                       :    Key Account Manager

Department                    :    Ares Holdings, Brands

Reporting to                   :    Sales Manager: Key Accounts

Direct reports                :    N/A

Key customers              :    Suppliers, Wholesale customers, Marketing Team, HQ

Main purpose                  :    Responsible for focusing on building and optimising key accounts customer relationships with the goal of achieving sales and profit targets through effective planning, management, and execution.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 1: SALES MANAGEMENT

  • Responsible for the creation of budgets and forecasts and door growth target and key account plans of the wholesale channel by territory and by key account.
  • Management of sales pipeline and white space document to be constantly reviewed to ascertain market potential.
  • Conduct seasonal reviews by key account.
  • Work closely with marketing to identify trademark opportunities and incorporate into key account plans.
  • Conduct store visits – own, customer and competitor – to review trends, customer specific issues and competitor activities to help formulate strategic plans and be proactive in reacting to market conditions.
  • Conduct seasonal sell in meetings with key account customers to showcase new collections.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 2: STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

  • Build effective relationships with key account wholesale customers.
  • Provide stakeholders with recommendations on product mix and performance of the brand through analysis of sales reports.
  • Proactively manage stakeholders against agreed SLA’s.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 3: SUPPLY CHAIN AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

  • Open order reports
  • Order deadlines
  • Placing orders
  • Communication to global and local logistics on product movement.
  • VAS requirements arranged via logistics.
  • Regular communication and distribution reports ATS to customers.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 4: REPORTING

  • Report monthly on the wholesale sales forecast.
  • Seasonal analysis by key account.
  • Quarterly business review reporting.
  • To request regular sell-out from key accounts.

 KEY LEADERSHIP & INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCIES

(Behaviours that enhance the desired culture, values, and the pursuit of the core purpose of the business)

  • VALUES:
  • We believe in the power of brands and growing brands responsibly.
  • We believe in developing and building our teams for the benefit of all stakeholders.
  • We believe in continuous investment into our people and our business platforms.
  • We care deeply about our environment and our people.
  • LEADERSHIP & RELATIONSHIP BEHAVIOURS
    • Customer-Centric: Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts.
    • Proactive Communication: Ensure clear communication with teams and stakeholders.
    • Influence & Negotiation: Effectively influence and negotiate with key accounts and teams.
    • Collaboration: Work cross-functionally to deliver value to key accounts.
    • Strategic Thinking: Develop account plans aligned with business goals.
    • Problem-Solving: Address and resolve customer issues promptly.
    • Results-Oriented: Focus on achieving sales targets and account growth.
    • Adaptability: Adjust strategies based on feedback and market conditions.
    • Coaching: Mentor junior team members to foster development.
    • Conflict Resolution: Handle conflicts professionally with diplomacy.

     TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

    (Specific technical, functional, and professional skills, knowledge, abilities, attributes, and aptitudes that are required to be able to do this job well relative to the delivery of the Main Purpose and Key Accountabilities)

    o   Account Management: Ability to manage and grow key accounts, ensuring customer satisfaction.

    o   Sales Forecasting & Analysis: Strong skills in forecasting sales and analysing account performance.

    o   Negotiation: Expertise in negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms with key accounts.

    o   Product Knowledge: Deep understanding of product offerings and their fit for key accounts.

    o   Market Knowledge: Awareness of market trends, competitors, and industry developments.

    o   CRM Systems: Proficient in using CRM software to track account activities.

    o   Budget & Financial Management: Experience managing account budgets and meeting financial targets.

    o   Reporting & Analytics: Ability to generate and analyse performance reports.

    o   Problem-Solving: Quick resolution of issues related to delivery and customer service.

    o   Collaboration: Strong collaboration with internal teams to support key accounts.

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

    Education

    • Grade 12
    • Relevant tertiary qualification in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, Commerce or a related field (advantageous).

    Experience

    • 3+ years’ experience in a similar Key Account Manager, Account Manager or Sales role within a retail, wholesale or commercial sales environment.
    • Proven experience managing and growing key customer accounts.
    • Demonstrated ability to prepare and manage sales budgets, forecasts and account plans.
    • Experience compiling and presenting sales, performance and business review reports.
    • Exposure to ERP or sales systems such as SAP (advantageous).
    • Experience working cross‑functionally with internal teams such as Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance.
    • Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency

    Industry Knowledge

    • Strong understanding of the retail, wholesale and e‑commerce landscape.
    • Knowledge of lifestyle and/or action sports brands within a commercial sales environment (advantageous).
    • Solid business and commercial acumen, with an understanding of margins, sell‑through, and account profitability.
    • Understanding of the end‑to‑end sales cycle, including forecasting, order processing and fulfilment.

    Professional & Behavioural

    • Proven ability to build and maintain strong, long‑term customer relationships.
    • Strong negotiation, communication and influencing skills.
    • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and prioritise multiple accounts.
    • Results‑driven, self‑starter mindset with strong accountability.
    • Competent analytical skills with attention to detail in reporting and forecasting.

    Required skills

    Related Jobs