Job Description: Key Account Manager – Luxury Designer Brands (LDB)

Location: Woodmead, South Africa Division

Reports to: Sales Director / Commercial Manager

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Account Planning:

• Develop and execute annual joint business plans (JBP) with retail partners to achieve Net Sales and Sell-out targets.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and consumer insights to identify white-space opportunities within the luxury segment.
• Monitor and manage the account’s P&L, focusing on trade spend optimization and ROI.

Commercial Excellence & Growth:

• Negotiate commercial agreements, including margins, listing fees, and promotional support, in line with LDB division strategy.
• Drive "Perfect Store" execution by ensuring optimal assortment, stock levels, and visibility across all doors.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to optimize forecasting accuracy and ensure high service levels (fill rates).

Brand Equity & Consumer Experience:

• Ensure that all animations and product launches are executed with a "luxury-first" mindset, maintaining the prestige image of brands like Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, and Prada.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Education teams to ensure Beauty Advisors are empowered and store staff are aligned with brand storytelling.
• Oversee the implementation of high-end merchandising and permanent counters in accordance with global guidelines.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Utilize data analytics to track sell-out performance, stock-turn, and market share per account.
• Conduct monthly business reviews with retailers to track progress against KPIs and pivot strategies where necessary.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education: 

• University degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: 

• Skills:
  • Strong negotiation and influential leadership skills.
  • Advanced financial acumen and P&L management.
  • Exceptional relationship management and communication abilities.
  • Proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools (PowerBI experience is a plus).

L’Oréal Competencies

• Innovator: Challenges the status quo and brings fresh perspectives to retail partnerships.
• Strategist: Thinks long-term while maintaining excellence in daily execution.
• Entrepreneur: Takes ownership of the account as if it were their own business.
• People Developer: Collaborates effectively across functions (Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain).