Junior Key Accounts Manager at L'Oréal

Job Summary:

• The Junior Key Account Manager (Drug) is an exciting entry-level role within key account management, playing a crucial part in supporting senior account managers and cultivating strong relationships with key retail partners.  This position is vital for contributing to overall sales growth and market share gains, ensuring brand presence, and maintaining exceptional customer satisfaction within the fast-paced beauty market.  The Junior KAM will immerse themselves in beauty trends, product knowledge and the specific needs of our beauty partners to optimise performance and foster long-term collaborations.  Duties combine retail partner interaction, administrative tasks and sales support.  
• This role requires strong analytical skills, an understanding of the Drug channel and it’s role within L’Oreal, and knowledge of the specific dynamics and operational needs of our beauty retailers. The Junior Key Account Manager will collaborate closely with internal teams (marketing, supply chain, finance, field operations) to ensure seamless execution of sales strategies and optimal brand representation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Account Management: Build and maintain strong, lasting relationships with key decision-makers within assigned Drug retailers, serving as a primary point of contact and ensuring prompt and effective communication regarding product availability, orders, promotions, and brand initiatives.
• Sales Strategy & Execution: Assist in developing and executing account-specific sales plans to achieve or exceed revenue targets. Analyze customer and shopper buying habits, identify opportunities and stay current with market trends and evolving customer needs which contribute to the development of effective sales strategies.  
• Support the planning and execution of new product launches and promotional activities tailored to the beauty calendar.
• Internal Collaboration: Collaborate closely with internal departments (marketing, supply chain, finance and field operations) to coordinate projects and campaigns seamlessly. This includes forecasting, promotional planning and inventory management.  Ensure seamless execution of promotions and resolve any challenges related to stock or point-of-sale material delivery.
• Account and Marketing Administration:  Ensure all account administration, including master data, pricing agreements, promotional calendars, and co-op marketing initiatives are maintained and up-to-date, accurate and compliant with internal controls.  Prepare compelling presentations for customers and internal stakeholders.
• Performance Analysis & Reporting: Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sell-in and sell-through rates, promotional spend, market share, promotional effectiveness and stock levels (in trade/infill). Regularly report on performance to management, highlighting successes, challenges and opportunities.

Desired Skills:

• Communication Skills:  Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, paramount for interacting effectively with customers and internal teams.  Ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders from retail buyers to in-store staff.
• Organizational and Time Management skills:  The ability to efficiently manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and adapt to a fast-paced environment. 
• Sales and Negotiation Skills:  A solid understanding of sales principes, the ability to analyse sales opportunities, and effective negotiation tactics are important for maximising sales revenue.
• Customer-centric Mindset:  A strong focus on building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:  The ability to analyse and interpret data, comprehend market trends and derive actionable insights to develop solutions to account-specific challenges. 
• Teamwork:  The capability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams within the organisation to achieve common goals.
• Adaptability and Resilience:  The role resides in a fast-paced, ever-evolving, complex environment, requiring flexibility, willingness to embrace change and the ability to handle pressure.

Other Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Experience with Nielsen and customer platform analytics tools is a plus. 
• Strong data analytics and presentation skills – ability to tell a story with data.
• Experience with forecasting and inventory management.
• Experience with digital marketing, ecommerce.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong project management skills.