Customer Manager Jhb

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Job Description


Main Purpose of Jobxc2xb7 Drive new business development and secure listings within FMCG retail channels Shoprite, PnP, Spar (Supermarkets, Convenience, Forecourts, Liquor Stores)xc2xb7 Drive new business development and secure listings within Independent Trade (Makro, Boxer, Masscash, Cash & Carry, Buying Groups including Distributors) for S0 & Non-Scheduled Front shop.xc2xb7 Build and nurture strong relationships with key retail accounts to maximize distribution, shelf space, and sales performance.xc2xb7 Build and nurture strong relationships with key Wholesale & Independent accounts to maximize distribution, shelf space, and sales performance.xc2xb7 Identify and develop opportunities for market expansion and category growth within assigned accounts.xc2xb7 Identify and scope new market development within the responsible accounts to drive listing and distribution gain to increase market shareExperience scopexc2xb7 Experience managing key accounts within FMCG retail environments such as Spar, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, and liquor chains.xc2xb7 Extensive Experience working with traditional trade, forecourt, convenience stores, and informal trade channels (Massmart, Cash & Carry, Buying Groups; etc.) will be beneficial.Key Performance Areas (Core, essential responsibilities outputs of the position)Listing & Distribution Growth:xc2xb7 Achieve first-time product listings and optimize distribution with targeted retailers. Perform category analysis and identify key buyers and decision-makers within accounts.Stock & Merchandising Management:xc2xb7 Monitor stock levels and sales trends to ensure optimal stock holding at wholesalers and retail outlets. Ensure products are merchandised to brand standards and support in-store activations.Strategic Account Planning:xc2xb7 Develop and execute comprehensive account plans aligning with overall commercial goals. Drive initiatives that increase sales velocity and category penetration.Customer Relationship Management:xc2xb7 Maintain strong, consultative relationships with key retail partners. Serve as trusted advisor to client teams to proactively address their needs and challenges.Negotiation & Contract Management:xc2xb7 Lead negotiations on pricing, trading terms, and promotional agreements. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and maintain positive partnerships.Cross-Functional Collaboration:xc2xb7 Work closely with marketing, supply chain, and operations teams to synchronize execution plans, promotional campaigns, and distribution logistics.Risk & Opportunity Management:

  • Identify market risks such as competitor activity or supply challenges and develop mitigation strategies. Uncover new business opportunities within existing and new retail channels.
Minimum RequirementsEducationxc2xb7 Bachelors degree in commerce, Marketing, Retail Management, Consumer Science, Supply Chain Management or equivalent.xc2xb7 Additional qualifications in Sales Strategy, Brand Management, or Category Management will be advantageous.xc2xb7 Exposure to Consumer Goods, Retail Buying, Shopper Marketing, or Trade Execution is highly valued.Experiencexc2xb7 35 years proven experience in FMCG sales, key account management, or trade marketing, with a strong understanding of consumer buying behavior and retail execution dynamics.xc2xb7 Direct experience managing retail customer types such as supermarkets (e.g. Shoprite, PnP, Spar), convenience outlets, liquor stores, forecourts, and informal/general trade such as (Cash & Carry, Masscash, Buying groups, and independent retail).xc2xb7 Demonstrated ability to drive first-time listings, secure promotional space, increase share of shelves, and scale product distribution within complex retail networks.xc2xb7 Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sell-in and sell-through sales targets through effective planning, execution, and in-store activation strategies.xc2xb7 Experience working with sales & merchandising agencies and interpreting field execution data (e.g., coverage, compliance, promotional uplift) is preferred.Skills/physical competenciesxc2xb7 Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build rapport across multiple stakeholders.xc2xb7 Analytical mindset with ability to interpret sales data, market trends, and develop actionable insights.xc2xb7 Excellent negotiation skills and commercial acumen.xc2xb7 Highly organized with strong planning and time management skills.xc2xb7 Tech-savvy, proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable with sales data tools.xc2xb7 Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, target-driven environment and adapt to changing priorities.Behavioral qualitiesxc2xb7 Commercially Driven Operates with a strong bias for action and results, always seeking to drive volume, value, and visibility in-store.xc2xb7 Customer-Centric Mindset Deeply understands the consumer and shopper journey; prioritizes customer needs and retail execution excellence.xc2xb7 Resourceful & Entrepreneurial Thrives in dynamic retail environments, finds creative solutions to overcome trade barriers, and seizes in-market opportunities.xc2xb7 Goal-Oriented & Resilient Operates with urgency and persistence to meet sales, distribution, and promotional targets in fast-paced settings.xc2xb7 Collaborative & Cross-Functional Builds strong working relationships across marketing, supply chain, and sales teams to execute trade plans effectively.xc2xb7 Strong Commercial Judgement Balances brand, customer, and profitability priorities when making trade or investment decisions.xc2xb7 Confident Communicator & Influencer Able to engage buyers, store managers, and internal stakeholders to align behind commercial initiatives.xc2xb7 Agile & Adaptive Quickly adjusts to shifting market conditions, competitor actions, or customer dynamics with a solution-oriented approach.General working conditions (e.g. shift work, drivers license, specific tools, special clothing, environmental requirements, etc.)xc2xb7 This role is primarily office-based but requires extensive national travel to attend customer meetings, commercial reviews, planning sessions, and business development engagements.xc2xb7 Regular in-trade visits are expected to ensure execution alignment, build market understanding, and strengthen relationships across customer formats.xc2xb7 The role operates across corporate retail (e.g., head offices), independent retail, pharmacy chains, and wholesale environments, requiring adaptability to different customer contexts.xc2xb7 Overnight travel may be required based on business demands, regional coverage, or trade event schedules.xc2xb7 Flexibility to work outside standard business hours may be necessary during key promotional periods, launches, or buyer availability.xc2xb7 A valid drivers license and reliable vehicle are essential for effective regional coverage and customer engagement.Travelxc2xb7 The role requires 90% national travel based on customer and business needs, including a mix of planned account meetings, in-trade engagements, and ad-hoc commercial visits. Travel frequency may vary depending on the trading calendar, customer priorities, or promotional activity, and may include attendance at national meetings, launches, and strategic planning sessions.

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD1432029
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Education
    Not mentioned