Our Pharmaceutical client, a science-led global healthcare company with three world-leading businesses that research, develop and manufacture innovative pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and consumer healthcare products is looking for a National Key Account manager ( Independent Pharmacy) for their Consumer Health care Division Johannesburg office in Gauteng

JOB PURPOSE
To lead the commercial growth agenda for independent Pharmacy by developing, implementing & managing sustainable trading and category strategies; to ensure delivery of budgeted sales, profit and customer investment objectives in-line with company policies and procedures.

Qualifications:
•Matric
•Tertiary education with relevant business degree/diploma (i.e.) B. Comm or Sales and Marketing Diploma ie. IMM.
•Previous Pharmacy Sales experience a must.
•Computer Literate in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook

JOB FACTORS/KNOWLEDGE
• Proven selling experience of at least 3 years within both field sales and Key account management.
• Experience within Key Accounts to include business plan development, pricing, promotional, P&L management &
contract negotiation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the FMCG environment, SA Pharmacy and retailer strategy.
• An appreciation for the use & application of various data sources such as AC Nielsen, Synovate and cost-to
serve models.
• An understanding of sales, marketing, forecasting and finance principles and processes
• Experience in the management of pricing and promotions in a cross category environment.
• Ability to influence & forge strategic partnerships with customers

COMPLEXITY
• Managing a wide portfolio of products; more than 15 brands across 3 therapeutic areas.
• Develop and manage multiple customer relationships across buying, merchandising, category, marketing, supply chain, pharmacy, export, divisional operations teams and senior management within the Channel.
• Responsible for monitoring the performance of account both nationally, regionally and across formats, to ensure that sales targets are being met and objectives are being achieved. This will require analyzing sales data from various sources like Cognos, AC Nielsen, Synovate, P&L from time to time in conjunction with Customer.
• Ability to work in an internal matrix environment with the Modern Trade Channel team, Marketing, Customer Marketing, Sales Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Services and 3rd Party Sales teams, to ensure all opportunities are capitalized on.
• High level of influencing skills required to drive category opportunities both with internal & external stakeholders

RESPONSIBILITY
• Ensure timeous implementation and management of Account Plan with proper forward planning. Providing relevant feedback on account performance to Pharmacy NAM and Modern Trade Channel Manager.
• Provide accurate monthly forecasts by sku.
• Accurately capture all monthly trade investment accruals, expenditures and recons – aligning with Finance.
• Jointly manage and implement category management initiatives with Customer Marketing.
• Ensure that various brand strategies and distribution objectives are being met.
• Align key stakeholders on account plan and quarterly activity.
ANNUAL STRATEGIC PLANNING
Develop annual account plan objectives & strategies that underpin the overall channel & brand plans.
Provide insight into the annual Modern Trade Channel plan.