Key Accounts Manager: Feed - Swellendam

Role Purpose The Key Accounts Manager:
Feed is responsible for driving sales of protein, oil/fat(s), and derivative products within the animal feed sector. The role focuses on expanding and servicing the customer base through a strong understanding of the South African protein, vegetable oil, and animal fats market.
The incumbent will support the development of the feed sales team, drive customer excellence, optimise margins, and contribute strategically to business growth within the feed segment.
Key Responsibilities Business Development
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the political, trading, and economic environments impacting the business.
- Contribute to maximising selling opportunities across the broader sales team within the animal feed sector.
- Develop sales plans for market, segment, and customer growth, analysing volume and profitability potential.
- Develop and implement volume growth strategies.
- Identify and penetrate new markets and customers, introducing product solutions aligned to customer requirements.
- Work closely with customers to determine optimal product solutions for feed applications.
- Liaise with key industry stakeholders to optimise product inclusion within feed rations.
- Develop and implement new business development strategies.
Sales Management
- Maintain and develop relationships with existing customers through in-person meetings, calls, and digital communication.
- Travel regionally and nationally on a regular basis.
- Negotiate pricing and contract terms within authorised parameters.
- Achieve volume and margin budgets as set by management.
- Position product pricing strategically based on value proposition and competitive benchmarking.
- Contribute to market intelligence, including pricing trends, competitor activity, and product surveys.
Stock & Supply Chain Coordination
- Monitor stock levels per product and site on an ongoing basis.
- Liaise with internal departments to optimise production planning and supply alignment.
- Work closely with Sales Administration to manage logistics, sales orders, and stock availability.
- Communicate product quality concerns with Quality Control teams.
- Manage daily MRP (Material Requirements Planning).
- Provide weekly and monthly reporting on stock, sales activity, and market movements.
Customer Service
- Act as the voice of the customer within the business, addressing service-related matters across departments.
- Manage non-conformance processes and resolve customer concerns effectively.
- Provide customers with market and trade insights through structured and informal communication.
Margin Management
- Manage pricing of meal, oils, and fats against industry benchmarks.
- Strategically market products by region and segment to optimise margin growth.
- Benchmark products against key alternatives and implement pricing strategies accordingly.
Reporting
- Weekly reporting on sales performance to management.
- Monthly reporting on divisional performance against KPIs.
- Quarterly presentation of performance at sales conferences.
Health & Safety
- Participate in safety forums and attend required training.
- Report all safety incidents promptly.
- Comply with company safety policies and procedures.
- Wear protective clothing where required.

Role Requirements Qualifications Degree in Agriculture, Business, Economics, Mathematics, or a related discipline (preferred).
Experience
- Minimum 2–5 years’ experience in Agricultural Commodity Trading.
- Approximately 5 years’ experience in commodity trading within a similar role preferred.
- Established business relationships within the Animal Feed Industry.
Technical & Commercial Skills
- Strong analytical and numerical capability.
- Commercial acumen with the ability to connect product knowledge to market trends.
- Strong negotiation skills and ability to make quick, data-driven decisions under pressure.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Strong understanding of commodity markets and pricing dynamics.
Behavioural Competencies
- Customer service orientated.
- Goal driven and results focused.
- High level of accountability and ownership.
- Strong problem-solving capability.
- Initiative and drive.
- Reliable, disciplined, and professional.
- Assertive with strong interpersonal skills.
- Excellent communication skills in Afrikaans and English (written and verbal).
- Continuous learning mindset.
Should you not receive a response within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.