Key Accounts Executive

About the roleThe Key Accounts Executive owns Hazida's day-to-day relationships with Zambia's major retailers. Your first goal is to secure and grow listings across all three national chains, then make sure every listed SKU is in stock, correctly priced and well displayed in every store.You will turn the plan into results on the shelf. This is not a management role at entry, but it is designed as a stepping stone: as the brand portfolio and distribution volumes grow, the right person will have a clear path into Key Account Manager.Key responsibilitiesAccount listings and relationshipsSecure new listings for the portfolio with Shoprite, Pick n Pay and Choppies, and with other key retail and wholesale accounts.Prepare and present new-product listing proposals, completing each retailer's vendor registration, product data and listing documentation.Build strong relationships with buyers, category managers, store managers and receiving teams at head-office, regional and store level.Hold regular business reviews with each account, covering sales performance, stock levels, promotions and new opportunities.Negotiate within the trading terms, pricing and promotional budgets approved by Management.Sales and order managementDeliver monthly and quarterly sales targets by account and by SKU.Manage the order cycle: receive and follow up purchase orders, coordinate deliveries with the warehouse and logistics team, and resolve short deliveries, rejections and returns.Track sell-in and sell-out by store and SKU, flagging slow movers and stock-out risks early.Support accurate demand forecasting by sharing account-level sales trends and upcoming promotions with the Management.In-store executionMake sure every listed SKU is on shelf, correctly priced and displayed to agreed planograms in every store.Plan and supervise merchandisers and promoters, including store visit routes and in-store standards.Secure secondary displays, gondola ends and promotional space in line with the promotional calendar.Carry out regular store audits and report on shelf share, pricing, stock and competitor activity.Promotions and trade marketingExecute the promotional calendar at account level, from agreeing mechanics with buyers to making sure stock and point-of-sale material are in store on time.Measure promotional results and report on return on spend.Work with the marketing team on in-store activations, tastings and product launches.Reporting and administrationSubmit accurate weekly and monthly reports on sales, stock, pricing, promotions and competitor activity.Follow up on payments and resolve claims, rebates and deductions with the finance team.Keep customer records, contracts and listing documentation up to date.Gather market intelligence on new brands, pricing moves and category trends that could inform which principals and products Hazida takes on next.What we are looking forEssentialDiploma or degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration or a professional qualification in Sales, Marketing or Procurement and Supply.At least 3 years in FMCG sales, with at least 2 years managing modern-trade or key accounts.Proven experience working with Shoprite, Pick n Pay or Choppies in Zambia, or with comparable chains in the region.Working knowledge of listing processes, trading terms, planograms and in-store merchandising standards.Strong negotiation, presentation and relationship-building skills.Confident with numbers and with Google Sheets or Excel for sales tracking and reporting.Valid Zambian driver's licence and willingness to travel.AdvantageousExperience in a distributor or multi-brand portfolio environment.Experience in beverages, snacks or packaged foods.Experience supervising merchandisers or promoters.Familiarity with retailer supplier portals and ERP or sales software.