Key Account Manager - Saudi Arabia

About the Role

The Key Account Manager for Saudi Arabia will spearhead sales expansion and reinforce BISSELL's footprint throughout the Kingdom by managing critical retail partnerships. This role entails owning the full commercial relationship lifecycle with significant retail clients, overseeing forecasting, order processing, product listings, promotional activities, pricing strategy, category expansion, and ensuring solid in-store execution. Close collaboration with Supply Chain, Marketing, Trade Marketing, and Retail teams is essential for impeccable annual business plan execution, enhancing retail outcomes, and securing sustainable, profitable growth. Reporting directly to the Country Manager - KSA, this position requires sharp commercial insight, analytical expertise, and the aptitude to nurture strategic relationships with key customers.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage and grow relationships with BISSELL's top three retail accounts in Saudi Arabia.
• Coordinate sales forecasting efforts with internal stakeholders to maintain accuracy.
• Oversee customer purchase orders and coordinate with Supply Chain to guarantee timely delivery.
• Facilitate new product listings and ensure successful launches in assigned retailers.
• Set annual sales objectives by retailer, category, and individual stores; monitor progress against these goals.
• Conduct periodic business reviews with retailer partners to uncover growth prospects and boost account performance.
• Develop Annual Joint Business Plans (JBP) for each key account and participate in quarterly business assessments.

• Formulate annual promotional schedules aligned with BISSELL's commercial objectives.
• Advise on promotional strategies and oversee flawless implementation across all retailers.
• Track competitor pricing, promotions, and activities to stay competitive.
• Manage marketing budgets for accounts, including in-store events, campaigns, and seasonal promotions.
• Coordinate retailer marketing efforts with BISSELL’s Marketing department, covering influencer campaigns, product launches, and promotional activations.
• Ensure all commercial activities execute timely and adhere to budgetary restrictions.

• Work with Supply Chain and retailer replenishment teams to maintain product availability.
• Monitor stock levels and shipment timing to prevent shortages or overstock issues.
• Proactively resolve supply chain challenges to uphold high customer service standards.

• Regularly visit stores to inspect execution quality, discover improvement opportunities, and enhance product visibility.
• Guarantee implementation of agreed planograms, merchandising standards, promotional materials, and displays.
• Allocate permanent and seasonal in-store promoters according to business priorities, collaborating with Trade Marketing Executives.
• Plan distribution of promotional stands and displays across retailers.
• Identify chances to boost product visibility, shelf presence, and shopper engagement.

• Analyze weekly and monthly sales results, inventories, and effectiveness of promotions.
• Interpret sales trends, category data, and customer insights to suggest improvements.
• Compile reports, business reviews, and commercial presentations for management and clients.
• Monitor KPIs and implement necessary corrective measures to reach sales and profitability targets.

• Provide product training for BISSELL promoters and retailer sales teams.
• Ensure retail teams possess current product knowledge, selling skills, and awareness of competitors.
• Support product demos, retailer events, and customer engagement activities as needed.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or related fields.
• At least 5 years’ experience in Key Account Management or Sales within consumer durables, home appliances, FMCG, or retail sectors.
• Proven track record managing major national retail accounts in Saudi Arabia.
• Strong grasp of retail operations, sales forecasting, category management, and promotional planning.
• Experience with Joint Business Planning (JBP), sales analytics, and negotiation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and Trade Marketing.

Desired Skills

• Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical thinking and forecasting skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint presentation tools.
• Effective presenter and communicator.
• Goal-driven and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Outstanding planning and organizational abilities.
• Self-motivated with a collaborative approach toward cross-functional teamwork.
• Readiness to travel frequently within Saudi Arabia for meetings and store assessments.