National Key Accounts Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a National Key Accounts Manager to join their team in Centurion

POSITION INFO:
Roles and Responsibilities
Job Title: National Key Account Manager (Protein / Commodities)

Industry: Agricultural Commodities / Manufacturing / Food Ingredients
Location: Irene, Gauteng
Employment Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid – 2 days work-from-home, 3 days office-based (subject to change based on management requirements)
Salary: R600,000 – R800,000 per annum
Benefits: Medical Aid | Provident Fund | 13th Cheque

Company Overview
Our client operates within the agricultural commodities and manufacturing sector, supplying protein-based products into B2B markets nationally. The business services key accounts across industrial, food production and agricultural segments.

They are seeking an experienced National Key Account Manager to manage, retain and grow strategic accounts while ensuring operational excellence, quality compliance and profitability.

Role Overview
This is a senior-level Key Account Management role reporting directly to the General Manager.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing existing national key accounts across protein-based product lines. The role focuses on account retention, margin optimisation, contract management, quality compliance, demand forecasting and cross-functional coordination with production, logistics, finance and quality teams.

Key Responsibilities
Customer Relationship Management
Build and maintain long-term relationships with key customers, traders and distributors
Conduct regular account reviews and client visits
Ensure consistent communication and service excellence
Maintain strong client retention and contract stability

Account Retention & Growth
Protect and grow existing account volumes
Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities
Monitor account profitability and optimise margins
Deliver monthly account performance reporting

Quality & Compliance
products meet agreed quality specifications
Manage and resolve quality-related disputes
Liaise with quality teams to implement corrective actions
Maintain compliance with food safety and internal policies

Logistics & Operational Coordination
Oversee transport scheduling and customer deliveries
Monitor dispatch performance and turnaround times
Resolve delivery-related issues promptly
Ensure adherence to health & safety standards

Account Planning & Forecasting
Provide accurate demand forecasts to support production planning
Monitor market trends, pricing and competitor activity
Align account strategy with operational capacity

Reporting & Collaboration
Prepare and present monthly account and logistics performance reports
Collaborate with production, finance, logistics and quality teams
Proactively identify commercial and operational risks

Innovation & Market Development
Engage customers to understand evolving product requirements
Support product improvements and customised solutions
Monitor industry trends and competitor developments

Minimum Requirements
Grade 12
Relevant Bachelor’s Degree OR extensive relevant industry experience
Minimum 7–10 years’ recent Key Account Management experience, with at least 5 years managing national or large-volume B2B accounts
Experience within commodities, agricultural, food ingredient manufacturing or related industrial environments is essential
Proven track record in contract negotiation, margin management and national account growth
Experience working cross-functionally with production, logistics and quality teams

Technical Competencies
Strong B2B key account management expertise
Exposure to quality assurance and specification-driven products
Understanding of food safety and compliance processes
Proficient in Microsoft Office
ERP system experience (IRP or similar advantageous)
Strong commercial and profitability management capability

Behavioural Competencies
Strong relationship builder
Commercially driven
Strategic thinker
Results-oriented
Leadership capability
Cross-functional collaborator
High problem-solving ability
Employment Details
Employment Type:
Permanent Employment
Industry:
Manufacturing
Work space preference:
Hybrid (Home & Onsite)
Ideal work province:
Gauteng
Ideal work city:
Centurion
Salary bracket:
R 0 - 66000
Drivers License:
CODE EB
Own car needed:
Yes