The Strategic Account Executive is responsible for supporting the sales, development and growth of major key accounts (national optical retail chains). Under the supervision of the KAM Team Leader, he/she contributes to annual account planning, manages small and medium key accounts independently — covering planning, promotion, negotiation and risk management — and assists the KAM Team Leader with strategic accounts and daily operations. The candidate should combine strong customer relationships with solid analytical and documentation skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Responsibilities
- Build the annual business plan for assigned key accounts; share account risks and opportunities with the KAM Team Leader.
- Forecast and achieve account results: sell-in, sell-through, market share and profitability.
- Develop and execute channel promotions; track store-level execution, sell-out and ROI.
- Lead negotiations with small and medium key accounts; escalate to the KAM Team Leader when needed and ensure compliance.
- Manage commercial risks (inventory, receivables, pricing, contracts) and monitor related contracts and invoices.
- Maintain customer profiles and stakeholder networks; conduct periodic business reviews.
- Build account development plans and selling stories to gain retailer buy-in.
- Analyze sell-in / sell-out and market data (e.g., GfK); prepare business reports and presentations in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Manage daily account operations independently and assist the KAM Team Leader with strategic accounts.
- Coordinate with Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing and Customer Service to ensure one consistent company voice toward the retailer.
- Maintain technical proficiency with CVI products and competitive products.
- Submit all administrative reports accurately and on time (weekly closing, call, expense and ROI reports).
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strategic thinking and account planning capability.
- Promotion development skills — design, cost and evaluate trade promotions.
- Risk management mindset covering inventory, receivables, pricing and contracts.
- Advanced Excel, PowerPoint and Word skills.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with high accuracy and a self-review discipline.
- Win-win negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Self-starter with strong ownership and a positive, constructive attitude.
Experience:
- Minimum five years of sales experience, or minimum three years of key account management experience, preferably in the optical, medical device, healthcare or consumer goods industry.
- Experience managing national retail chain accounts is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated track record of performance and results.
- Knowledge of the optical / contact lens industry is beneficial.
Education:
- Bachelor Degree in business or business related disciplines
