Key Account Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION:

DO WORK THAT MATTERS

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You will have access to:

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.

A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.

A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

About the Abbott Nutrition Division

Our nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow, to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Ensure®, Glucerna® – to help get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest life.

The Key Account Manager’s overall objective is to drive growth of Abbott Nutrition products through the development of strategic partnerships with key accounts that build long-term and sustainable business partnerships, with strategically important accounts in alignment with ANI strategic objectives (NS / DOH / GTN), and to manage the customer relationship on an ongoing basis.

What you will do:

• Develop a deep understanding and relationship of all key account stakeholders and decision-makers at the executive level for Dis-Chem, wholesalers and Southern Africa export business.
• Develop strategy and concise engagement plans for key accounts plans that bring added value to the customer and ANI ZA.
• Merchandising & Execution, ensure planogram compliance and visibility standards in stores, coordinate promotions, displays, and in-store activations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, category managers, and decision-makers.  Act as the primary point of contact for all account-related matters, resolve conflicts and ensure smooth collaboration.
• Develop annual and quarterly account plans aligned with company objectives.  Define sales targets, growth drivers, and promotional calendars for each key account.
• Negotiate joint business plans (JBP) with retailers and export distributors.
• Track on-shelf availability and prevent out-of-stock situations.  Update customers on any out-of-stocks.
• Work closely with the commercial and sales team including sales reps to update on wholesaler stock availability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, COMEX, Supply Chain) to plan and execute brand strategy at the regional level and improve the quality of customer insights.
• Ensure all requirements are met for S&OP meetings, Supply & Demand Meeting, Sales Forecasting and any other Ad Hoc requirements

Qualifications and expertise:

Education:

• Tertiary qualification in Health Sciences and/or Business Sciences or equivalent is essential
• Additional marketing qualification/IMM/commercial qualification is an advantage.

Expertise and Competencies:

• 3 - 5 years’ experience in a sales, trade marketing or key accounts management role
• Experience with export markets in Southern Africa is an advantage
• KAM experience with wholesalers in ZA is an advantage
• Experience with stakeholder management like Dis-Chem, wholesalers, and Southern Africa export customers is an advantage
• Experience in a fast-moving consumer-goods (FMCG) or OTC environments
• Understanding of trade marketing, identifying trade marketing opportunities and working collaboratively with ANI ZA marketing team.
• Analytical - ability to analyze data and gain actionable insights.
• High commercial acumen
• Excellent presentation skills
• Negotiation skills
• Category management skills, understanding of trade negotiations, planning of promotions per channel
• Familiar with trade KPIs

Additional requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license (more than 3 years’ driving experience) and own vehicle.
• Candidate must reside in Gauteng.
• 30 – 40 % local travel required, including occasional weekend work for events or conferences.

Apply Now

Please note that interviews will commence in 2026

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is

N/A

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

     

JOB FAMILY:

Sales Force

DIVISION:

ANI International Nutrition

LOCATION:

South Africa > Johannesburg : Abbott Place

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

Yes, 50 % of the Time

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

No

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Not Applicable