DSV - Global transport and logistics
In 1976, ten independent hauliers joined forces and founded DSV in Denmark. Since then, DSV has evolved to become the world's 3rd largest supplier of global solutions within transport and logistics. Today, we add value to our customers' entire supply chain by transporting, storing, packaging, re-packaging, processing and clearing all types of goods. We work every day from our many offices in more than 80 countries to ensure a steady supply of goods to production lines, outlets, stores and consumers all over the world. Our reach is global yet our presence is local and close to our customers. Read more at www.dsv.com
Location: Solar City, Matroosfontein, Cape Town
Job Posting Title: Manager, Senior Key Accounts, Solutions
Time Type: Permanent / Full Time
Minimum Requirements: Matric or equivalent
Tertiary Qualification: Preferably in Business Administration, Marketing, Sales or a related field
Advanced degrees (MBA or similar) can be advantageous
Job Related Requirements:
Experience:
- Minimum 10 years experience in logistics industry (eg: transport or warehousing)
- At least 10 years in Consumer (Fashion and Retail) warehousing industry
- At least 5 years Key Account Management Experience with track record of mannaging senior key accounts
Skills:
Communication:
- Strong Verbal and written communication skills, fluent in English
- Verbal Communication: Effectively communicating with various stakeholders, presenting ideas clearly and addressing concerns
- Written Communication: Proficiency in drafting emails, reports and documentation that are clear and concise
- Active Listening: Demonstrate active listening skills to understand stakeholder needs and concerns fully
Relationship Management:
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, customers and internal teams
- Customer Service Orientation: Understanding and meeting the needs of customers and ensuring their satisfaction
- Supplier Relationship Management: Develop and nurturing strategic partnerships with key suppliers
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution:
- Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills for contract discussions, pricing and terms with suppliers and customers
- Conflict Resolution: Handling disputes and conflicts effectively, finding mutually beneficial solutions
Technical Proficiency:
- ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics
- Supply Chain Software: Experience with supply chain management software such as Warehouse Management Systems, Transport Management systems
- Advanced Excel & PowerPoint Skills: Competence in using Excel for data analysis, modeling, and reporting and PowerPoint for customer facing material
Strategic Planning and Execution:
- Strategic Thinking: Developing and implementing long-term plans for supply chain improvement and innovation.
- Business Acumen: Understanding the broader business context and aligning supply chain strategies with overall business goals
Interpersonal Skills:
- Empathy: Understanding the perspectives and needs of various stakeholders
- Influence and Persuasion: Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders to support supply chain initiatives and changes
Leadership and Team Management:
- Team Leadership: Leading and motivating a team, managing performance, and fostering a collaborative environment
- Project Management: Skills in planning, executing, and overseeing supply chain projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget
Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge:
- Industry Regulations: Familiarity with relevant industry regulations, compliance standards, and ethical sourcing practices
- Sustainability: Knowledge of sustainable supply chain practices and the ability to implement environmentally friendly initiatives
Adaptability and Flexibility:
- Change Management: Managing and adapting to changes within the supply chain, including technological advancements and market shifts
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and navigating cultural differences in a global supply chain context
Electives:
- High work rate, quality of work and attention to detail
- Required to be assertive, self-motivated and committed
- Must be on time and conscientious about achieving deadlines
Main Purpose of the Role:
At DSV Solutions, our Key Account Managers are at the heart of the business, connecting the dots from every aspect of the business from operations, customers, financial, reporting, and people management.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Key Accounts Manager to join our team in Solutions Consumer vertical, based in Cape Town. The candidate requires a deep understanding of retail and fashion supply chain logistics and coupled with extensive account management experience. Exceptional negotiation and communication skills are essential.
The Key Account Manager is tasked to develop sharp and creative business strategies for different challenges in this fast-moving landscape. Key Account Managers are expected to be entrepreneurs, leading a team of multifunctional resources from the front line. This position will be in responsible for maintaining and expanding a long-term partnership with our customers by continuously engaging, negotiating, seeking solutions, and play a key role in meaningful and effective communication between all parties.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and sustain solid relationships with key clients of financial importance and high value to accomplish long-term company objectives
- Serving as a trusted business advisor, service expert and single point of contact.
- Work with the customer, operations and commercial to deliver on business objectives.
- Developing, implementing, and evaluating business plans to meet and exceed goals.
- Drive and represent operational performance improvements.
- Interpretation of data into actionable conclusions and developing meaningful insights to stakeholders.
- Translate customer requirements, including forecasts, into actionable plans for operations.
- Managing escalations, including coordination, communications, and follow through on mitigations.
- Tracking, trending, and reporting on market trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Execute customer satisfaction surveys, draw up action plans, supervise and complete them.
- Conduct and coordinate performance reviews with the customers, weekly, monthly, and yearly.
- Ensure customer satisfaction with products and services
- Develop strategic account plants, identify growth opportunities and negotiate contracts, ensuring beneficial terms for both the company and key clients
- Research key customer wants and needs
- Stay abreast with warehousing industry and market trends and best practices
- Identifying new business opportunities within existing accounts and strategizing to expand company footprint in the market
- Measure, track and analyze key account warehousing metrics, using data driven insights to measure success and drive continuous improvements
- Conduct regular business reviews and performance analyses for key accounts, provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance client partnerships
- Serve as point of contact for key customers and internal teams
- Collaborate with internal teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences and meet client expectations
Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should an external candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavor to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with DSV’s Employment Equity plans. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
