Key Account Manager - Exports at Unilever

JOB PURPOSE

• You will deliver end-to-end on Unilever business objectives, with the main priority being to achieve a sales turnover target across the BNLE markets – Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini – through executing a customer and distributor business plan aligned with the objectives of Unilever South Africa.
• You will lead market plan execution aligned to the Business Unit strategy. You will execute a commercially strategic plan in the exports market – specifically Botswana. You will determine channel and customer prioritization in the market and deploy the budget accordingly. You will lead core capabilities and objective customer engagement (Category Management/Shopper). You will lead the execution of an aligned pricing strategy in the country/cells.
• You will be responsible for achieving this turnover in the short (monthly) and medium (annual) term within the BBT% agreed in the CVA framework. You will achieve this via a network of established distributors driving execution in these markets.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver end-to-end business objectives, achieving sales turnover targets across the BNLE markets.
• Execute customer and distributor business plans aligned with Unilever South Africa objectives.
• Lead market plan execution aligned to the Business Unit strategy.
• Execute the strategic Commercial Plan in the exports market – specifically Botswana.
• Determine channel and customer prioritization and deploy budget accordingly.
• Lead core capabilities and objective customer engagement (Category Management/Shopper).
• Lead the execution of the pricing strategy in the country/cells.
• Ensure achievement of monthly and annual turnover targets within the agreed BBT% in the CVA framework.
• Manage and leverage a network of established distributors to drive execution.
• Analyze data and insights to inform strategy and decision making.
• Negotiate trade terms effectively to maximize value and build sustainable partnerships.
• Operate as a self-starter with the ability to work independently and drive initiatives forward.
• Cultivate a passion for growing our brands across the African continent.

EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 2 years' experience in Marketing or Sales in the FMCG industry.
• +2 years relevant Key Account Management experience (Exports markets advantageous).
• BComm degree (preferably in Marketing, Business Administration, Financial majors).
• Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Strong demonstrated insight and analytical skills.
• Experience using Nielsen, Power BI, or customer platforms like Rex or PnP info hub (favourable).
• Demonstrated ability to leverage data and insights to drive business decisions.
• Demonstrated ability in trade term negotiations.
• A self-starter with a growth mindset and appreciation for expanding our brands throughout the African continent.

SKILLS

• Category Growth Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Selling
• Negotiation and Channels
• Trade term negotiation
• Data analysis and insights generation
• Self-starter mindset and entrepreneurial spirit