Key Accounts Executive

At Philip Morris South Africa, we’re transforming our business and building a future shaped by innovation, new ideas and people who want to make an impact.

We’re looking for an experienced Key Account Executive who knows how to turn strong customer relationships into commercial growth. This is an opportunity to work with some of our most important customers, influence account strategy and play a meaningful role in how our brands and portfolio perform in a dynamic FMCG environment.

If you enjoy understanding what makes customers and markets tick, spotting opportunities and turning insight into action, this could be the next step for you.

Your impact

As a Key Account Executive, you’ll take ownership of key customer relationships and develop account-specific strategies that support our broader commercial ambitions. You’ll work closely with customers and teams across the business to identify growth opportunities, strengthen product availability and visibility, improve in-store execution and deliver sustainable commercial results.

Your role will include:

• Developing and executing account and channel plans that support growth and Share of Market objectives


• Building trusted, long-term relationships with key customers and identifying opportunities to grow together


• Managing our portfolio across assigned accounts, with a focus on availability, visibility, pricing and in-store execution


• Leading commercial negotiations and developing agreements that create value for both the customer and the business


• Using market, customer and performance data to identify trends, opportunities and potential risks


• Working with supply chain and commercial teams to maintain product availability and resolve distribution challenges


• Managing allocated budgets responsibly and tracking investment, commitments and spend


• Partnering with Marketing, Trade Marketing, Finance, Legal, Distribution and Field Sales teams to bring account strategies to life


• Keeping a close eye on competitor activity and changing customer and market dynamics


• Ensuring account activities are delivered in line with relevant legislation, company policies and our standards of integrity


• What you bring


• We’re looking for someone who combines commercial thinking with strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.

You’ll have:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification


• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a dedicated Key Account Management role within a multi-category FMCG environment, which is essential


•  At least 1 year of experience within the petrol forecourt channel would be advantageous


• Strong experience managing and developing key accounts and commercial relationships


• Experience working with customers and collaborators in a multicultural environment


• Strong commercial awareness, numeracy and the ability to identify opportunities from data and market insights


• Confidence in negotiating commercial agreements and influencing different partners


• A good understanding of corporate frameworks, including relevant legislation, policies and procedures


• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint


• Strong written and spoken English

Experience within the petrol forecourt channel would be an advantage, as would previous experience working in a highly regulated industry.

What will help you succeed

You’re curious about customers and markets and comfortable taking ownership. You can work independently while also bringing people together to achieve a shared outcome.

You approach problems practically, adapt when circumstances change and use information to make sound commercial decisions. Most importantly, you establish relationships based on trust and understand that strong partnerships are at the heart of successful key account management.

Why join us?

At Philip Morris South Africa, you’ll join a business going through significant transformation, creating opportunities to learn, contribute and grow.

You’ll work in a collaborative and international environment where you can engage with different functions, customers and perspectives. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful commercial relationships, contribute ideas and see the impact of your work.

We value different experiences, perspectives and ways of thinking. Whether your career has followed a traditional path or taken a few different turns, we’re interested in what you can bring and the impact you can make.

Ready to make your next move? We’d like to hear from you.

PMI welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, regardless of age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, religion or belief, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

We encourage applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups and have equivalent experience in PMI or a related field. Employment Equity laws and principles will be considered during the candidate selection process to promote diversity and the exchange of ideas.