Key Account Manager

JOB PURPOSE

• The Manager: Key Account serves as the interface between the Client, sales channels / agents and the academy.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining long lasting trust relationships with a portfolio of key clients
• Identify client needs and extend and align our solutions to achieve mutual satisfaction
• Drive sales through the identification of new clients and retention of existing clients to ensure continued revenue growth
• Ensure alignment of day-to-day sales and client relationship effort driving collaborative relationships with all stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of NQF 6 qualification in Sales & Marketing or Business Management
• Certificate in Project Management will be advantageous
• Sound understanding of the Learning and development landscape
• Completed or studying towards “Finance for Non-Financial Managers” will be an added advantage
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in key account management
• Experience of successful liaisons with both customers and internal stakeholders
• Sound experience in managing projects
• Experience in working with relevant client information systems including MS Office (Excel/ Word etc)
• Valid code 8 driver’s license and own transport
• Demonstrated innovation and improved operational effectiveness
• Track record in active Sales - sound experience is essential
• Proven customer service track-record
• Experience in dealing with farm/rural clients/stakeholders; and have a firm understanding of associated environmental factors and operational requirements

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Liaison and Client Management

• Secure, develop and maintain client relationships with key stakeholders on assigned accounts.
• Actively consult with a high degree of expertise and knowledge, raising the level and quality of contact
• Stay visible within the assigned accounts by ongoing scheduled visits and /or meetings.
• Represent the client’s interests within the company to ensure that service adjustments are made where necessary.
• Manage adherence to deadlines on Client Submission.
• Facilitate signing of all relevant agreements by the client
• Learner stipend payroll submission – To be submitted before payroll cut-off of the client
• Outstanding client invoices – Within 24 hours of receiving from Finance
• Learner stipend queries – Within 24 hours of receiving from the Campus
• Ensure that a close relationship is built with an understanding of the client’s business environment – achieved via existing experience, industry exposure and research.
• Ensure key decision makers and stakeholders are kept abreast of the services on offer from Signa Academy and the continuous changes in legislation.
• Engage with client and internal stakeholders’ termination / replacement
• Solve conflict and manage client expectations

Individual Client Reporting on Portfolio

• Provide learner reports and analysis as required by the client as per agreed deadline and timeframes
• Ensure reports and internal insights are provided for clients and business decisions

Build and maintain stakeholder relationships

• Liaise with a complex network of stakeholders to ensure business growth and business unit sustainability.
• Build strategic inter-departmental relationships to help achieve business goals.
• Promote effective peer, and stakeholder relationships.
• Manage and ensure effective communication with all stakeholders and sustain client relationships
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure registration with the relevant bodies

Reporting and Co-ordination

• Submission of relevant reports as agreed with Manager: National Key Account

Business Growth

• Focus on growing and developing existing clients, together with generating new business.
• Act as the key interface between the customer and all relevant divisions.
• Develop and achieve sales through direct sales channels
• Be actively involved in season planning with focus on increased sales.
• Monitor and report on sales activities
• Analyse sales pipeline and lead data to ensure delivery of meaningful reports
• Correct allocation of learners based on clear understanding of finance and budgeting at campus level

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Excellent organizational and effective communication skills
• Highly computer literate with specific reference to MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint computer skills
• Be customer service orientated with a passion for service excellence
• Proven assertiveness and problem-solving skills
• Highly self-motivated and able to work extended hours as necessary
• Excellent people’s skills with greater than average listening skills
• Sound understanding and interest Education, of learning and development landscape
• Excellent stakeholder relationship management and interpersonal skill
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• High level presentation and negotiation skills
• Sales skills will be essential
• Ability to work under pressure
• Great attention to detail
• Personal management with high level of Emotional Intelligence
• Resilience within a complex, challenging environment
• A commitment to the transformational goals of the Company
• Be Innovative and committed to ongoing process improvement
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Should be able to function independently as well as contribute to Team successes
• Mature approach to business, customers, problem resolution, conflict management
• Committed to personal professional development
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adherence to deadlines
• Excellent Report Writing Skills
• Knowledge of tender processes and professional documentation standards
• High level of attention to detail
• Sound understanding of Strategic Management
• Very disciplined and organized individual