Title:  Group Account Manager - Ultra

We Go Places! How about you?
Job Grade: 30 
Function: Commerce
Type of Contract: Permanent
Reference Number: 138521 
Closing Date: 11/06/2025

Purpose of the job

The Group Accounts Manager will be responsible for leading and delivering high-value projects for our key account teams, taking ownership of performance objectives, sales targets, and key milestones on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis. In addition to managing projects, this role will focus on training and mentoring key account teams, empowering them to adopt a shopper and consumer-focused approach that not only meets but exceeds business goals. By working collaboratively across departments, the Group Accounts Manager will ensure the seamless execution of projects, while upholding Heineken’s core values of quality, innovation, and sustainability, driving both short-term achievements and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities
   

Client Relationship Management & Strategic Leadership:
•    Serve as the primary senior leader for Heineken’s most important and strategic key accounts, ensuring their satisfaction, retention, and growth.
•    Act as a trusted advisor for clients, offering strategic insights and solutions that align with both client objectives and Heineken’s business goals.
•    Lead client meetings and negotiations, fostering strong, long-term relationships and ensuring that all client needs are met with high levels of service.
•    Use deep industry knowledge to provide guidance on future trends and opportunities that may impact key accounts.
 

Knowledge Transfer & Mentorship:
•    Provide mentorship and training to the Key Accounts team, transferring knowledge from years of experience in managing high-value client relationships.
•    Focus on building the team’s capability in key account management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
•    Support the development of emerging leaders within Heineken, offering guidance on leadership skills, client engagement, and business development.
•    Facilitate workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to ensure the continued growth of team members and the wider business.

Project Leadership & Execution:
•    Lead high-value projects for strategic key accounts, ensuring that each project is delivered on time, within budget, and with measurable results.
•    Oversee the cross-functional teams involved in these projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and seamless execution.
•    Ensure that all project deliverables meet Heineken’s quality standards while providing clients with innovative solutions that meet their needs.

Capability Development & Process Improvement:
•    Identify opportunities for improving Heineken’s key account management processes, systems, and tools, ensuring greater efficiency and effectiveness in client engagement.
•    Work closely with senior leadership to continuously improve the overall key account management framework, ensuring it remains aligned with market changes and business objectives.
•    Implement best practices for account management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

Strategic Account Growth & Development:
•    Collaborate with the Sales and Marketing teams to identify and pursue new growth opportunities within key accounts, including potential for upselling, cross-selling, and expanding Heineken’s product portfolio.
•    Actively contribute to the development of long-term account strategies that ensure the sustainability and profitability of key relationships.
•    Regularly assess account performance and collaborate with internal teams to adjust strategies for enhancing growth and client satisfaction.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:
•    Ensure close collaboration with other internal functions, including Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations, to guarantee a unified approach to key account management.
•    Maintain strong working relationships with other senior leaders across the organization to ensure alignment on strategic objectives and operational execution.
•    Act as a liaison between Heineken’s leadership and clients, facilitating effective communication and strategic decision-making.

Reporting & Performance Monitoring:
•    Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for key accounts and project success, ensuring that project outcomes are aligned with Heineken’s objectives.
•    Provide regular reports to senior leadership on account performance, project status, and growth opportunities.
•    Lead post-project evaluations and ensure that key insights are captured for future initiatives.

Succession Planning & Legacy Building:
•    Contribute to the succession planning process by identifying and developing potential leaders within the Key Accounts team to ensure the continued success of the department post-retirement.
•    Ensure that the transition of responsibilities is seamless, with all relevant knowledge and relationships passed on to the next generation of leaders.
•    Build a legacy of excellence in key account management by leaving behind a strong, capable, and well-prepared team.

Job Requirements

Education
•    A formal tertiary qualification (Degree/Diploma) in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, or a related field.
•    Postgraduate qualification is advantageous  

Experience

•    10 years’ + experience in a business-related position relating to the liquor industry 
•    At least 5 years of experience in project management, key account management, or a related field, ideally within the FMCG, beverage, or related industries
•    In-depth knowledge of the beverage or FMCG sectors, with an understanding of client needs and market dynamics in these industries.
•    Sound management, negotiating, analytical and strategic thinking skills.
•    Redistributor / Off Trade Accounts Management experience 
•    Computer proficiency in all MS Office packages/SAP
•    Board level presentation experience 
•    Professional approach
•    Adept at handling challenging interpersonal relationships.
•    The ability to travel extensively as and when required.
•    Leadership of a highly skilled accounts team
•    Innovative and visioning in your thinking.

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Heineken Beverages (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd) is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.