National Account Manager Our client, a leading distributor and manufacturer of household goods throughout South Africa, is looking for a National Account Manager for their division based in Gauteng. You will have the overall responsibility for the sales objectives of the individual brand - sales & margins. Maintain & grow current customer base & identify revenue opportunities through new business opportunities & securing new market - ultimately filling factory capacity with required product mix to maximize efficiency. Duties & Responsibilities Key Performance Areas: Responsible for formulation & implementation of customer strategies once approved to achieve sales volumes, margins, & share targets at the budget cost & margins for a division or major geographical area. Manage & ensure that all records are continually updated & maintain individual contact with key customers & management. Conceptualize, develop, manage, & implement a sales strategy to achieve brand objectives through accurate forecasting. Manage brand sales strategy & ensure a correct product & customer mix to achieve the targeted sales at the required margin - thus achieve annual sales budgets, targets, & margins. Effectively communicate the value proposition. Stay informed of local & international trends in terms of product innovation ideas & market trends. Maintain a consistent pipeline of sales & supply regular forecasts quarterly while keeping top management informed of any potential changes. Collaborate/partner & build strategic relationships with all current customers while seeking new ones. Initiate new channels & markets to expand & grow the business. Contribute to ensuring continued product development. Positively influence alignment of Sales & Marketing strategies thus contribute to growth of customer base to optimize margin opportunities. Analyse & drive our largest clients in business forward by using the data given by the client & driving commercial insight with the merchandiser & planner. Monitor local & international industry trends. Accurately forecast fashion items to maximize returns & reduce usage of provisions & write-backs. Accountability for maintenance of service levels & reduction of credit & returns. Assist with sales forecasts & collection of overdue accounts. Resolve customer complaints or problems. Manage & monitor customer satisfaction & retention. Advise customers on technical or procedural issues. Execute brand sales strategy in alignment with divisional strategy. Achieve brand sales targets at required margins. Prepare sales expenses & effectively manage expenditure. Initiate & develop new channels & markets. Accurately forecast sales & profits. Maintain solid communication with general site managers to ensure efficient balance of production. Local travel required, one/two weeks per month. Desired Experience & Qualification Requirements: Diploma/Degree or equivalent in Sales & Marketing. 6+ years' sales & marketing experience. Furniture manufacturing experience will be an added advantage. #J-18808-Ljbffr