Key Account Manager

Company Overview:

Our client is a family-run Japanese company with more than 200 years of history. It has two divisions: Food for human consumption and pet food. In Japan, it has established itself as a leader in the pet food industry, thus also becoming a leader in sales. The company is characterized by the extensive catalog of products that counts as well as the iconic product that has revolutionized the industry.

Thanks to the growth that the company has had in recent years, it became the No.1 brand of pet food in Japan and is also expanding internationally to make pets and their owners around the world happy.

Objective/Purpose:

• The main objective of this position is to maintain and build long-term relationships with stores in the region and ensure quality consistency across each individual location.
• Coordinate marketing activities, marketing research, and brand and intellectual property management. This position is responsible for facilitating the delivery of their strategic goals through:
• Planning and implementing brand and communication strategies.
• Overseeing the implementation of all communication and brand materials.
• Supervising the team and evaluating performance; and,
• Delivering hands on in the area of brand and communication as needed.

Principal Roles and Responsibilities:

• Retail sales reporting and analysis.
• Consumer and market research project execution and analysis.
• Review sales forecasts; and,
• Coordinate meetings and arrange samples.
• Participate in Expositions related to the Pet Food Industry.
• Preparation of long-term brand plans and marketing presentations.
• Development and execution of marketing plans with the Headquarters.
• Keep full and proper books of account and records, submit sales reports regularly according to the timelines of the Headquarters.
• Regular evaluation of market and consumer trends.
• Increase standards of customer service.
• Provide training and development for staff.
• Communicate with clients on a regular basis.
• Ensure quality consistency across the region.
• Maximize sales and profitability in the region.
• Set and meet sales targets for individual locations.

Requirements:
• Strong work ethic, high energy level, interpersonal skills, motivation and enthusiasm.
• Excellent communication skills and strong commitment.
• Experience on the Pet Food Industry of at least 5+ years is a must
• Experience in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
• Willing to travel up to 75 percent of the time.
• Experience in dealing with distributors.
• The ability to work independently is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree is required. Business degree is a plus.
• Capable to maintain a clean work atmosphere anytime.
• Fluent Finnish and English at business level, intermediate level writing and speaking skills.