Strategic Account Manager

Takealot Group is seeking a Strategic Account Manager to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg. This pivotal role is central to the ongoing success and expansion of Takealot's third-party marketplace, a rapidly growing segment of the business that now accounts for over 20% of all units sold. The marketplace is outpacing the retail division, highlighting the crucial nature of this position in shaping its future.

About the Role

As a Strategic Account Manager, you will be instrumental in fostering the growth and prosperity of Takealot's most influential sellers. Your primary objective will be to drive sales growth, broaden the selection of products available on the platform, and enhance the retention of key accounts. Simultaneously, you will be tasked with identifying and nurturing high-potential sellers, guiding them towards becoming future strategic partners. This role demands a proactive and innovative approach to identifying opportunities for both business growth and operational improvements, achieved through close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders.

The responsibilities of this role are multifaceted and require a comprehensive understanding of account management and e-commerce dynamics. You will:

• **Manage Key Accounts:** Oversee all aspects of the account management process for significant, high-potential sellers. This includes developing and maintaining robust, strategic relationships with executive-level management within these seller organisations.
• **Drive Seller Growth:** Gain a deep understanding of the unique business growth drivers for each seller and devise tailored strategies to foster their optimal development path on the platform.
• **Leverage Internal Resources:** Effectively utilise Takealot's internal resources to support sellers in maximising their success and benefits derived from the available growth levers.
• **Develop Promotional Strategies:** Take ownership of promotional planning for strategic sellers, including the creation of seasonal campaigns and the management of working capital cycles.
• **Utilise Data and Analytics:** Analyse key seller metrics to inform the execution of data-driven solutions. Make informed day-to-day business decisions based on data and analytics, and use these insights to guide the development of high-potential sellers.
• **Strategic Planning:** Look beyond immediate campaigns to apply insights and knowledge to future strategic planning.
• **Problem Solving:** Conduct in-depth analyses of seller-level issues that may impede growth and deliver actionable recommendations.
• **Target Setting and Collaboration:** Establish seller-specific account targets and work collaboratively with Divisional Heads to achieve them.
• **Competitive Analysis:** Document and maintain a clear understanding of the competitive landscape from a seller-specific perspective.
• **Platform Evolution:** Ensure marketplace tools evolve in line with the business needs of sellers, utilising relevant tools and feedback mechanisms.
• **Project Management:** Drive small to medium-sized projects and contribute actively to larger marketplace initiatives.
• **Communication:** Maintain effective communication across all levels of management and proactively contribute innovative ideas.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates should possess a strong analytical and strategic mindset, coupled with proven experience in account management and a passion for e-commerce. The ideal candidate will have:

• A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification; an MBA is considered a strong asset.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in analysis, reporting, modelling, and forecasting.
• A proven track record in account management.
• Success in managing dynamic accounts and diverse portfolios.
• Proficiency with analytical and sales tools, including Qlikview, Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suites, and SQL skills.

In South Africa, a Strategic Account Manager role within a major e-commerce player like Takealot typically involves competitive remuneration packages, often including performance-based bonuses. The role offers significant potential for career progression within the fast-growing e-commerce sector, with opportunities to move into broader management or business development functions.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
• MBA desired
• 5 years professional experience
• Experience in analysis, reporting, modelling, and forecasting.
• Account management experience
• Success in managing dynamic accounts/portfolios.
• Experience using analytical, sales tools including Qlikview, SalesForce, Microsoft Office Suites, SQL skills.