Account Executive - Africa (Printing/Packaging Industry) - Sandton

SUMMARY:
Calling all Account Executives in the Printing Industry with a proven track record in Africa.

POSITION INFO:

My client a leading company in the Commercial Printing Industry requires a competent and experienced Account Executive to identify and develop news business within Africa.

This position is reporting to the Business Development Manager.

CORE PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To increase business capacity by effectively marketing the business unit and its products to new and potential customers with a view to forging strong rewarding relationships.

To achieve / exceed targets / budgets aimed at growing sustainable sales and profits of the Business Unit and organisation through the development of business partnerships, which provide a total communication solution to the client.

DIMENSIONS OF THE JOB

1. Types of products: 

Free standing units (perm, semi-perm and temp); parasite units; dump bins; carry boxes; counter units; wobblers; aisle banners; Litho, Digital, outdoor

 2. Market segments: 

Beverages, Telecommunications, FMCG.

Nature and Scope of the Job:

Identify and develop new business, in the following key regions:

Zimbabwe

Tanzania

Kenya

Uganda

Nigeria

Ghana

Understanding the FMCG/Retail market in all of the above regions

Tailor making flat print and POS elements to suite these different markets.

Working towards a budget for each of the above regions.

Following an agreed upon travel schedule for each of the above regions.

Compiling reports after each visit, detailing clients visited and opportunities available.

Key Performance Areas:

Achieving Sales and Business Development Objectives

· Actively seek out new and potential business

· Proactive in converting client’s occasional business to long term contractual business for the business unit.

· Ensure the maintenance of contracts for the business unit

· Ensure the maximum extraction value from clients

· Achieve and Exceed sales targets and budgets

· Comply with sales plan

· Contribute to weekly sales report meetings

· Develop strategic business plans

· Conduct market research of business opportunities/ use of technology

· Develop and maintain relationships with key clients

· Formulation and implementation of account development plans

· Prepare and present plan to achieve objectives (key account plan).

· Establishing and achieving objectives for new / existing call activity.

· Credit management.

· Identify new potential products and new market niches

· Public relations and assisting with client product / brand launches

· Handle customer and consumer complaints and queries in an effective and courteous manner

· Travelling regularly into Africa for client interface as and when required

· Client entertainment as and when required

· Normal working hours combined with after hours as and when required for travel and entertainment

 · Maintain Effective Communication

· Share knowledge with other sales persons and draw on skills of experts where required to fulfil customer requirements.

· Effective communication with production, internal sales support, estimating and manager.

· Advise management about market conditions, brand / product performance and competition affecting targeted industries.

· Provide manager with weekly sales report

· Track and report on key sales indicators to Sales manager.

· Resolving production and product issues with customers.

 · Develop Knowledge and Skills

· Study the operations and performance of accounts and analyze competitive activity.

· Maintain industry and account database.

· Establish (with senior management) job development objectives and carry out plans to achieve them.

Competencies Required

Creative brand knowledge

At least 5 to 8 years business development experience in Africa in the Printing/Packaging Industry is ESSENTIAL AND NOT NEGOTIABLE

A Tertiary Qualification in Sales and marketing is beneficial

Experience in the Beverages, Telecommunications or FMCG Industry will be highly advantageous

Experience closing high profile deals within African countries is ESSENTIAL

Must be willing to travel into Africa 

Must be Criminal Clear

Must preferably reside in the greater Jhb area.

 Technical skills:

Knowledge of printing process and techniques

Knowledge of plant capability and machine specifications

Able to take customer through quotes in detail

Behaviour and attributes:

Good listener, attention to detail, service driven, influential, sincere, 24 hour ‘on call’ approach, ability to handle deadlines and stress, resilient to criticism/rejection, ability to understand customers’ needs, self confidence, determined, self motivated, mature, self disciplined, good time management, dedicated, passion for product and customers’ requirements, professional pride, ‘can do’ team based attitude, ability to motivate others.

Management level:

Ability to interact at senior management level

High level relationship building a critical component

Computer ability:

High-level computer skills to enhance support work and interaction with the client and plant and manage workflow through Company systems.

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.