Account Manager – Active Retail

Job Description

• We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Account Manager to manage and grow strategic retail partnerships within the consumer technology and lifestyle products environment.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for driving sales growth, account development, retail execution and partner relationships across a portfolio of leading retail and e-commerce customers. This role requires someone who understands the dynamics of large retail environments and can effectively manage relationships across e-commerce, sporting goods, specialist and mass retail channels.
• You will work closely with retail partners and internal product, sales, marketing, finance and field teams to develop business plans, maximise sales opportunities, optimise stock levels and ensure exceptional in-store and online execution.

Key Responsibilities

Account & Relationship Management

• Manage and develop strong, long-term relationships with key retail and e-commerce partners.
• Develop annual account plans and lead quarterly business reviews with assigned customers.
• Establish clear commercial objectives and ensure agreed business plans are effectively executed.
• Build relationships at both head-office and store level.
• Conduct regular customer meetings and store visits to identify opportunities, resolve challenges and strengthen partnerships.
• Analyse customer performance, identify risks and develop actionable plans to drive growth.
• Deliver agreed quarterly and annual sell-in and sell-out targets.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase revenue and market share across assigned accounts.
• Secure forward orders and proactively manage customer demand to minimise stock-outs.
• Identify and convert new commercial opportunities within existing retail partnerships.
• Develop account-specific growth initiatives and track delivery against agreed objectives.
• Work with partners to maximise promotional, marketing and seasonal trading opportunities.
• Negotiate effectively to achieve mutually beneficial commercial outcomes.

Stock Planning & Performance Management

• Monitor weekly sales, sell-out and stock-on-hand performance.
• Analyse stock cover, sales trends and inventory ageing to identify potential risks.
• Forecast future stock requirements and work with partners to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Develop corrective action plans for underperforming or overstocked products.
• Provide accurate and timely sales and performance reporting to internal stakeholders.

Retail & E-commerce Execution

• Ensure products are effectively represented across retail stores and digital channels.
• Drive strong merchandising, product visibility and display execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve product positioning and customer conversion.
• Work with field teams and retail partners to execute national and account-specific initiatives.
• Monitor execution against agreed retail standards and business plans.
• Support promotional campaigns and ensure agreed activities are implemented on time.

Account Administration & Financial Management

• Manage partner statements, billings, expenses and marketing claims in accordance with agreed processes and budgets.
• Ensure account queries are resolved promptly and effectively.
• Maintain accurate account records and reporting.
• Monitor customer activity and provide insights to support commercial decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Field teams.
• Communicate customer insights, opportunities and risks to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives to ensure successful execution.
• Represent the business professionally when engaging with senior retail stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

• Grade 12 with relevant tertiary education preferred.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a retail sales, account management or distribution environment.
• Proven experience managing major retail and/or e-commerce accounts.
• Experience working with retailers such as Amazon, Takealot, TotalSports, Sportsmans Warehouse or similar national retail partners would be highly advantageous.
• Experience within the consumer electronics, technology, sporting goods or lifestyle product sectors would be advantageous.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and relationship-management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Energetic, passionate and self-motivated with a strong commercial drive.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and confidence working within macOS/iOS environments.
• Valid driver's licence and own reliable vehicle essential.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.