We are seeking a skilled Key Account Manager (HORECA) for our Food Service business. You will be responsible for managing and developing key accounts within the foodservice sector with your primary focus on building strong relationships with existing clients and identifying new business opportunities to drive sales and revenue growth. You will collaborate with various internal teams to ensure customer satisfaction and achieve business objectives. The role is based in Hulhumale in the Maldives.

Responsibilities:
1. Key account management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients in the food service industry in the Maldives. Understand their needs, objectives, and preferences to provide exceptional customer service and support.
2. Business development: Identify new business opportunities and potential clients within the food service sector. Proactively seek out and pursue partnerships, contracts, and collaborations to expand the company's customer base and market presence.
3. Sales and revenue generation: Achieve sales targets and revenue goals by promoting the company's products and services to key accounts. Develop and implement sales strategies, negotiate pricing and contracts, and effectively communicate the value proposition of the company's offerings.
4. Customer relationship management: Act as the primary point of contact for key accounts, addressing their enquiries, concerns, and requests promptly and professionally. Regularly engage with clients to assess satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and ensure ongoing customer retention.
5. Account planning and strategy: Develop account plans and strategies for key accounts, outlining objectives, actions, and timelines to maximize customer satisfaction and business growth. Collaborate with internal teams, such as marketing and operations, to align efforts and deliver on customer expectations.
6. Market analysis and competitor monitoring: Stay informed about market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities within the food service industry in the Maldives. Conduct market research and analysis to identify opportunities and potential threats, adapting strategies accordingly.
7. Collaboration with cross-functional teams: Collaborate with internal teams, including product development, operations, logistics, and finance, to ensure seamless service delivery and customer satisfaction. Coordinate with these teams to address customer needs, resolve issues, and implement effective solutions.
8. Reporting and analysis: Track key performance indicators (KPI’s) and prepare regular reports on sales activities, revenue generation, customer feedback, and market trends. Analyse data to identify patterns, insights, and areas for improvement, providing recommendations to senior management.
9. Product knowledge and training: Develop in-depth knowledge of the company's products, their features, benefits, and competitive advantages. Conduct product training sessions for key accounts, educating them on product offerings, usage, and best practices.
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Role Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, sales, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong understanding of the international food service market, including customer preferences, trends, and competitive landscape. Experience in the Maldivian market would be an added advantage.
• Valid driver's license and valid passport. No criminal record.
• Experience in working and living outside of one’s home country. Experienced in working with diversity and cultures. An understanding of the Islamic culture would be preferred.

Required experience, skills and qualifications:
• Proven experience as a Key Account Manager or in a similar sales role within the food service industry.
• Proficiency in using CRM software and MS Office suite.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Relationship-building abilities and customer-centric approach.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to gather and interpret sales data.
• Self-motivated and target-driven, with a focus on achieving results.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Able to work with multiple different cultures. An understanding of the Islamic culture would be preferred.

About the employer:
United Food Suppliers (UFS) is one of the fastest growing businesses in the Maldives, Hulhumale. The company specialises in supply, storage and distribution of temperature-controlled food products such as meat, seafood, poultry, dry foods, vegetables and fruits of the highest quality from all over the world.
The position will pay a market related salary dependent on experience. The company will also provide a cell phone contract as well as a laptop for the incumbent. Accommodation is the responsibility of the incumbent; however, the first month’s rental will be covered by the company. One annual return airplane ticket to the original country or residence is also included in the package.
Please note that the Maldives is a dry country so alcoholic beverages are not available, as well as pork products. However, in terms of dress code it is not strictly Islamic. The working hours required in Maldives are 6 days a week, half a day on Saturday from 9-2pm and Sunday to Thursday 8.30 to 5.30pm with an hour for lunch. There also might be a need to work outside these office hours. Business trips to see clients will be via a boat and rough seas are commonplace, thus you must have good sea legs.
If you believe you fulfil the above criteria, please can you send your updated CV through to hr@ioec.co.za. Please note that this position is based in Hulhumale, Maldives.