Key Account Manager (Printed Media)

The Key Account Manager is primarily responsible for applying key account management principles to build, maintain, and develop strategic client relationships. This role places client satisfaction at its core while driving sales performance. The successful candidate will serve as the dedicated champion for assigned accounts, ensuring exceptional service delivery and long-term business partnerships.

Client Relationship Management (Primary Focus)

• Build, nurture, and maintain strong strategic relationships with key clients
  • Serve as the dedicated point of contact for all client inquiries, needs, and concerns
  • Proactively address client issues before they escalate to ensure continued satisfaction
  • Develop deep understanding of client business objectives and align services accordingly
  • Regularly measure and monitor client satisfaction, implementing improvements where needed
  • Create and maintain an engaging relationship with customers that is interactive and satisfying

Strategic Account Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive account plans to achieve sales targets
  • Identify opportunities for account growth and service improvement
  • Negotiate contracts and agreements that benefit both client and company
  • Participate in strategy and budget sessions with weekly/monthly reporting requirements
  • Work collaboratively with the Demand Planning Manager (peer position) by sharing client intelligence and market insights, ensuring client requirements are accurately translated into forecasting strategies that will meet client targets and expectations

Retail Execution

• Work collaboratively with the retail team by communicating client wishes regarding retail penetration and placement, while leveraging both the retail teams expertise and own knowledge to ensure optimal retailer selection for publications
  • Develop intimate knowledge of assigned publications, their values, brand positioning, target consumers and personality
  • Maintain complete awareness of retail store activities for assigned titles
  • Take ownership of promotion execution in every relevant store
  • Identify new retail opportunities for publications and engage with the retail team to pursue these opportunities

Analysis and Financial Management

• Use available BI data sources to analyze sales data and develop supporting product diagrams
  • Apply strong financial acumen to drive revenue growth and optimize profitability
  • Ensure financial objectives are consistently met while maintaining client satisfaction
  • Monitor and report on client performance metrics

• Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent qualification
• Tertiary qualification in Sales and/or Marketing

• Minimum of two (2) years related experience in a FMCG Marketing/Analyst Role
• Proven success in environments with strong emphasis on merchandising, promotion, partnerships, account management and sales
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Demonstrated track record of achieving sales targets while maintaining high client satisfaction

• Client-centric mindset with exceptional service orientation
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to team goals
  • Proactive communication style with natural ability to build relationships (must be comfortable making regular client check-in calls and maintaining ongoing dialogue)
  • Background in key account management will be an advantage
  • Experience in print media circulation management will be considered an advantage (not a requirement)
  • Expertise with magazine and/or newspaper sales and marketing (valuable)
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint

Information :

• Company : Novus Holdings
• Position : Key Account Manager (Printed Media)
• Location : Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Country : ZA