Key Account Manager

About

We have an opening for a Key Account Manager to lead the sales team of a manufacturing company in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will set sales targets, develop sales strategies, manage key accounts, coach and mentor sales representatives, and report on sales performance to the executive team. Sales leadership experience is required.

Responsibilities

Business Development & Lead Generation

• Proactively identify and qualify new business opportunities through a strategic mix of cold calling, networking at industry events, LinkedIn outreach, referrals from satisfied clients, and systematic market research to build a robust and diverse sales pipeline.
• Attend trade shows, industry conferences, and professional networking events to represent the organisation, generate qualified leads, gather market intelligence on competitor activity and product offerings, and build lasting relationships with key industry stakeholders.
• Research and map target accounts within the assigned territory by identifying key decision-makers and influencers, understanding their organisational structure and procurement processes, and developing tailored engagement strategies for each high-priority prospect.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary escalation point for client issues, coordinating with internal operations, logistics, and technical support teams to resolve complaints promptly, and following up personally to confirm that the resolution meets the client's expectations.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contract renewals with clients to secure profitable long-term agreements while maintaining positive and collaborative relationships, balancing the organisation's commercial objectives with client satisfaction and retention priorities.

Sales Administration & Reporting

• Prepare and submit accurate sales quotations, proposals, and tender response documents within client deadlines, ensuring pricing is approved according to the organisation's delegation of authority and that all submissions meet margin guidelines.
• Generate weekly and monthly sales performance reports including pipeline analysis, conversion rates, revenue against targets, and territory performance metrics, presenting findings and actionable insights to the sales manager during structured review meetings.
• Collaborate with the finance department on credit applications for new clients, monitor outstanding customer payments, and assist with resolving billing queries proactively to support timely collection of accounts receivable and healthy cash flow.
• Maintain detailed and up-to-date records of all sales activities, client interactions, pipeline opportunities, and deal status in the CRM system, ensuring data accuracy to enable reliable sales forecasting and informed management decision-making.

Requirements

• Self-motivation and resilience with the ability to handle rejection and maintain a positive attitude in a target-driven environment.
• Proficiency in CRM software such as Salesforce, Zoho, or HubSpot for pipeline management and sales reporting.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills with the ability to influence decision-makers and close sales effectively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written, to engage with clients at all levels.
• A Grade 12 certificate as a minimum; a diploma or degree in sales, marketing, or business is preferred.
• A valid driver's licence and own reliable transport for field sales roles requiring travel to client locations.
• Strong time management and organisational skills to manage a large and diverse client portfolio efficiently.

Qualifications

Certificate in Sales Management or Key Account Management