CJP Chemicals Account Manager (Wine) – Cape Town

The Key Account Manager, Wine is a results-driven, entrepreneurial sales professional responsible for driving new business growth while managing and expanding existing key accounts. This role is designed for a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership of their account portfolio, and is comfortable making strategic decisions based on customer needs. While managing a portfolio of existing accounts, the primary focus is on hunting for new business opportunities at existing customers and identifying, engaging, and winning new customers to expand market share.

 The Key Account Manager will serve as the face of the company to assigned and prospective customers, leveraging expertise in the Wine industry to develop tailored solutions, build strong relationships, and maximize sales performance.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new customer opportunities, prospecting and winning new business to accelerate volume, revenue and margin growth.
• Develop and execute an aggressive sales strategy, from lead generation and qualification to contract negotiation and closing.
• Take ownership of customer engagements, making informed decisions to maximize value and drive long-term partnerships.
• Strengthen relationships with existing customers, continuously identifying opportunities for expanding basket of products offered, upselling and cross-selling.
• Act as a strategic partner, deeply understanding customer challenges and aligning company offerings to their needs.
• Act as a strategic partner, deeply understanding customer challenges and aligning company offerings to their needs.
• Develop strategic pricing structures based on market conditions, customer profiles, and company objectives.
• Create account sales plans, manage budgeting, and develop strategic approaches to achieve volume, revenue and gross margin targets. Involving the negotiation of terms, developing proposals, and management of contractual agreements with new and existing accounts, ensuring strong financial outcomes.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure seamless execution of customer requirements and high service levels. Including contributing to sales forecasting by analysing market trends and historical data to drive growth and decision-making.
• Provide hands-on support in resolving customer challenges, managing complaints, and ensuring satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Wine Principals – Vason Enologica and Mercier Barrels.
• Conduct trials at customers using Vason products.
• Actively drive growth of Vason Enologica and Mercier Barrels product offerings.

Competencies

• Takes initiative, embraces challenges, and thrives in an environment where they must build and innovate.
• Must have a growth mentality, be highly motivated to seek out and secure new business, rather than solely managing existing accounts.
• Ability to find solutions, overcome rejection, and persistently chase opportunities.
• Results-Driven execution, focused on achieving and surpassing sales targets with a strong sense of accountability.
• Understands how to align sales efforts with broader business goals to maximum impact.
• Passionate about solving customer problems and creating long-term value.
• Able to pivot strategies based on market dynamics and customer needs.
• Collaboration and influencing, strong communicator who builds trust and drives action across teams and stakeholders.

Knowledge & Skills 

• Previous experience in Key Account Management and industry-specific knowledge (Wine) is essential.
• Advanced computer skills, particular in Excel for data management, as well as proficiency in Word and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales analytics & sales tools.
• Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• SAP experience is preferred.
• Bilingual - Fluent in both English and Afrikaans

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A tertiary qualification such BSc Agri in Grape and Wine Sciences or Diploma in Cellar Technology
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as an assistant winemaker or winemaker
• Minimum 5 years sales experience in wine sector with strong customer network and relationships