Key Account Manager needed at Abbott

• The Key Account Manager’s overall objective is to drive growth of Abbott Nutrition products through the development of strategic partnerships with key accounts that build long-term and sustainable business partnerships, with strategically important accounts in alignment with ANI strategic objectives (NS / DOH / GTN), and to manage the customer relationship on an ongoing basis.

What you will do:

• Develop a deep understanding and relationship of all key account stakeholders and decision-makers at the executive level for Dis-Chem, wholesalers and Southern Africa export business.
• Develop strategy and concise engagement plans for key accounts plans that bring added value to the customer and ANI ZA.
• Merchandising & Execution, ensure planogram compliance and visibility standards in stores, coordinate promotions, displays, and in-store activations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, category managers, and decision-makers.  Act as the primary point of contact for all account-related matters, resolve conflicts and ensure smooth collaboration.
• Develop annual and quarterly account plans aligned with company objectives.  Define sales targets, growth drivers, and promotional calendars for each key account.
• Negotiate joint business plans (JBP) with retailers and export distributors.
• Track on-shelf availability and prevent out-of-stock situations.  Update customers on any out-of-stocks.
• Work closely with the commercial and sales team including sales reps to update on wholesaler stock availability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, COMEX, Supply Chain) to plan and execute brand strategy at the regional level and improve the quality of customer insights.
• Ensure all requirements are met for S&OP meetings, Supply & Demand Meeting, Sales Forecasting and any other Ad Hoc requirements

Qualifications and expertise:

Education:

• Tertiary qualification in Health Sciences and/or Business Sciences or equivalent is essential
• Additional marketing qualification/IMM/commercial qualification is an advantage.

Expertise and Competencies:

• 3 – 5 years’ experience in a sales, trade marketing or key accounts management role
• Experience with export markets in Southern Africa is an advantage
• KAM experience with wholesalers in ZA is an advantage
• Experience with stakeholder management like Dis-Chem, wholesalers, and Southern Africa export customers is an advantage
• Experience in a fast-moving consumer-goods (FMCG) or OTC environments
• Understanding of trade marketing, identifying trade marketing opportunities and working collaboratively with ANI ZA marketing team.
• Analytical – ability to analyze data and gain actionable insights.
• High commercial acumen
• Excellent presentation skills
• Negotiation skills
• Category management skills, understanding of trade negotiations, planning of promotions per channel
• Familiar with trade KPIs

Additional requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license (more than 3 years’ driving experience) and own vehicle.
• Candidate must reside in Gauteng.
• 30 – 40 % local travel required, including occasional weekend work for events or conferences.