Key Account Manager U-Pro

Unilever is currently hiring for: Key Account Manager – Unilever Professional

Function: Customer Development

Reports to: Business Development Manager – Unilever Professional

Scope: Southern Africa

Location: Johannesburg
Terms & Conditions: Full Time

ABOUT UNILEVER

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

CATEGORY/FUNCTION INTRODUCTION

Customer Development (CD) is what we call our Sales organization at Unilever. Customer Development works closely with our customers to pioneer new products, build categories, and best deploy best-in-class retail and shopper capabilities.

WHY JOIN US?
At Unilever Professional, we do work that matters — for people and the planet. We’re looking for a high-energy hunter who thrives on opening doors, winning new business, and displacing competitors. If you love the chase and have a proven track record of converting prospects into loyal customers, this role is for you.

JOB PURPOSE
Drive aggressive growth for Unilever Professional in Southern Africa by building a strong pipeline, acquiring new accounts, and accelerating distributor-led expansion. Success is measured by new business wins, rapid market penetration, and profitable incremental revenue.

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE
New Business Acquisition

• Identify, target, and convert new end-user customers through distributors and priority segments.

• Build and maintain a high-quality pipeline with clear KPIs for conversion.

• Lead solution selling, product trials, and contract negotiations to close deals.

• Mobilize distributor sales teams to hunt alongside you and deliver joint wins.

Distributor Growth

• Recruit and onboard new distributors equipped with tools and knowledge to scale fast.

• Drive range expansion and penetration within existing accounts.

• Develop and execute joint business plans aligned to aggressive growth targets.

• Lead quarterly reviews and implement corrective actions to stay ahead.

Market Development & Execution

• Execute Unilever Professional’s route-to-market strategy across South Africa.

• Launch new products and initiatives with speed and precision.

• Monitor competitor activity and market trends; provide actionable insights to leadership.

Performance & Reporting

• Deliver accurate forecasts and track pipeline conversion.

• Report on KPIs: new business wins, distributor expansion, sell-in/sell-out, and activation.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, or Sales.

• Minimum 5 years in B2B industry with proven success as a hunter.

• Experience in foodservice, hygiene, contract cleaning, chemicals, or consumables.

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel nationally.

Skills

• Hunter mindset: Highly driven, self-starter, thrives on winning.

• Proven track record in B2B sales and distributor management.

• Ability to open new doors and convert competitor business.

• Strong negotiation, commercial acumen, and execution discipline.

• Confident communicator and presenter.

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.  We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country, and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered.  

We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this.

This is an office-based role in Johannesburg, 61 Katherine Street Office and requires 100% of time attendance on site.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.