Key Accounts Manager

About

• Africa's largest Mutual Assurance Society providing a one-stop funeral insurance and burial service solution.
• Seeking a Key Accounts Manager for the Business Development team in the Western Cape, responsible for developing, maintaining, and monitoring long‑term relationships with national and provincial strategic customers of AVBOB Insurance and Funeral Service business.
• Company over 100 years old with strong, customer‑centric values; offers a competitive remuneration package, employee development, and performance rewards.

Responsibilities

• Identify strategic sources nationally and negotiate access for the sales team.
• Develop and execute joint marketing plans with senior management of strategic customer accounts.
• Implement marketing plans to increase awareness of AVBOB's value proposition, penetration, and usage of AVBOB products, thereby growing market share.
• Ensure correct products and services are delivered to customers in a timely manner.
• Generate new sales and build long‑lasting relationships.
• Implement a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) plan; establish and maintain relationships with senior management at strategic accounts.
• Create cross‑functional alignment internally and manage key stakeholder relationships at strategic accounts.
• Prepare regular progress and forecast reports for internal and external stakeholders using key account metrics.
• Develop provincial strategic customer account plans and collaborate with Provincial Management teams to drive implementation.
• Establish a strong network of business contacts to drive AVBOB's business agenda.
• Serve as a communication link between key customers and internal teams; resolve issues and complaints to maintain trust.
• Conduct routine visits and structured meetings with key customers to discuss plans and business deliverables.
• Be on call at all times to address customer queries, concerns, and questions.
• Coordinate internal AVBOB structures to provide exceptional service to customers.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert on AVBOB products and services, providing accurate advice and excellent customer service.
• Tailor a superior customer experience for each client.
• Aggressively pursue opportunities and lead execution of high‑profile funerals to showcase the brand promise and create the right brand image.
• Provide comprehensive management reports on the implementation of strategic account plans.
• Conduct periodic business reviews to identify strengths, weaknesses, and evaluate operational effectiveness.
• Produce monthly management reports on conversion rates for new and existing sources of business.
• Ensure marketing initiatives adhere to approved budgets, deliver required ROI, and reduce customer acquisition costs.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications

• Minimum post‑matric qualification (minimum 3‑year tertiary qualification) in Marketing and Sales, Business Management, or a related field.
• On‑the‑job training; familiarity with the AVBOB product suite and competitor products is an advantage.
• Proficient in MS Office suite; working knowledge of project management, computer software, and internet.

Knowledge and experience

• Minimum five (5) years business development and account management experience (Financial Services sector advantageous).
• Strong sales and account management background.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) experience.
• Client relationship management (customer service).
• Team management and development.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills (negotiation, presentation).
• Tactical plan development and project management.
• Budget management.
• Excellent relationship‑building and networking skills (access to senior management and decision‑makers).
• Ability to work independently (accountable, self‑starter, self‑driven).
• Highly organized with good time‑management skills (prioritisation).
• Data analysis.
• Business writing skills.

Travel

• The role involves extensive travel nationally.