Key Account Manager at SMD Technologies

Job Description: Key Account Manager
Overview

• The Key Account Manager is responsible for managing major retail customers and driving sales performance across furniture and lifestyle categories. This role focuses on developing strong client relationships, managing day-to-day buyer communication, and executing account growth strategies. The Key Account Manager ensures seamless coordination between internal teams and retail partners to achieve category, sales, and margin objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Relationship & Account Management
• Develop and maintain solid, trusting relationships between major key clients and the company.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for retail buyers (Makro, Game, Builders, etc.).
• Resolve client issues and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Develop a complete understanding of key account needs and anticipate changes or improvements.
• Expand existing relationships and bring in new retail clients.
• Maintain all client documentation and ensure cohesive, up-to-date and accessible filing.
• Sales, Planning & Reporting
• Manage day-to-day account communications, buyer interactions, and category planning.
• Prepare and present product proposals, pricing structures, order plans, and promotional strategies.
• Negotiate contracts, trading terms, and performance timelines.
• Analyse client sales data to identify trends, areas of improvement, and growth opportunities.
• Plan and present account progress, goals, and quarterly initiatives for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to expand product listings, improve margins, or up-sell/cross-sell.
• Ensure all client deliverables are met according to agreed timelines.

Order & Stock Management

• Manage all customer orders from listing and deposits through to shipment tracking and delivery.
• Monitor stock levels, sell-through rates, and promotional performance.
• Understand imports, logistics timelines, and stock flow to support customer planning.
• Work with warehouse teams when required to ensure accurate and timely dispatch of orders.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Development, Logistics, Marketing, Merchandising, Warehousing, Design, and Sales teams to ensure client needs are met.
• Lead and mentor internal account teams assigned to each client.
• Oversee internal budgets and collaborate with cients on external budget planning.

Strategic Growth

• Participate in strategic planning to improve client results and grow categories.
• Translate sales statistics and performance data into actionable business solutions
• Support territory expansion by identifying gaps and opportunities

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years’ experience managing large retail accounts (Makro, Game, Builders, etc.).
• Wholesale/retail distribution Key Account Management experience with a major retail group is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Sales, or related field (preferred).
• Four to five years’ previous experience in sales management or key account management.
• Strong understanding of imports, stock management, and category planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities — strong presenter, listener and relationship builder.
• Strong negotiation skills with proven success in contract follow-through.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to convert data into insights and solutions
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience using CRM software.
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage multiple client accounts simultaneously.
• Goal-driven, organized, proactive, and self-motivated.
• Strong leadership skills; able to mentor and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and willingness to support other departments when required.
• Own transport with a valid driver’s license — frequent store and client visits expected.
• Willingness to travel if required.