Key Account Manager

About Ampersand

Ampersand is a nationwide sales and marketing firm distributing a wide variety of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to all major retail groups across Ireland. With over 70 years of experience, the company serves more than 3,000 stores directly and is a significant player within the convenience and off-licence sectors. Their extensive product portfolio comprises items from over 50 different suppliers both domestic and international, including categories such as cigars, confectionery, tobacco accessories, snacking, and consumer products. Notable brands include Cleeve's Irish Confectionery, Sonas Sweets Confectionery, Swan & OCB Tobacco Accessories, Clipper Lighters, and a broad range of handmade and machine-made cigars.

Role Overview

We are looking for a high-performing Key Account Manager based onsite at our Clondalkin office. Reporting to the Sales & NPD Manager, this permanent full-time position will focus on growing sustainable revenue streams across strategic key accounts within multiples and convenience retail sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of major strategic accounts in both multiples and convenience sectors.
• Establish and nurture robust relationships with senior-level customer decision-makers, buyers, and operational teams.
• Create and deliver presentations at headquarters, attend customer meetings, trade events, and industry exhibitions as needed.
• Develop detailed account plans for each key customer covering revenue targets, margin goals, product strategies, and retention metrics.
• Spot opportunities to grow sales via new product introductions, cross-selling, upselling, and broader account penetration.
• Manage joint business plans including negotiations and executing agreed actions.
• Oversee customer portals and retail listing platforms ensuring accuracy and effectiveness.
• Coordinate and manage promotion calendars efficiently.
• Prepare tender documents, quotations, proposals, and customer contracts professionally.
• Lead negotiations regarding pricing, rebates, promotional activities, payment terms, and service arrangements within the set authority limits.
• Work to safeguard gross margins and suggest strategies to enhance category and customer performance.
• Keep price lists, contracts, and commercial terms up to date and accurate.
• Provide dependable sales forecasts to assist in purchasing, stock management, and cash flow planning.
• Collaborate with teams across procurement, warehouse, marketing, and wider company projects when necessary.
• Track and analyze market trends, competitor moves, and purchasing behaviors of customers.
• Offer insights to influence product range selections, pricing models, and promotional strategies.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of three years in a comparable Key Account Manager role within the FMCG sector.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Proven capability in building networks, cross-functional collaboration, and relationship management.
• Competent in using CRM software, Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, and analyzing sales data.
• Willingness and availability to travel as part of the role requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a similar relevant discipline is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Outstanding oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiation skills paired with excellent stakeholder management.
• Sales-oriented mindset with a proactive approach.
• Initiative-taking and self-motivated individual.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Collaborative team player.

What We Provide

• Competitive salary package with a bonus based on performance.
• Company-provided car for work-related travel.
• Access to pension schemes.
• Life insurance and death-in-service coverage.
• Provision of a laptop and mobile phone to support work activities.
• Opportunities for professional training and growth.