Kershnie Robert
National Key Account Manager
Durban
Summary
Dynamic National Key Account Manager with a proven track record at Retail Engage, excelling in consultative selling and client relationship building. Achieved significant revenue growth through strategic account management and high-impact proposal presentations, fostering long-term partnerships and enhancing customer satisfaction. Adept at data-driven decision making and cross-functional collaboration to drive business success.
Collaborative Key Account Manager with demonstrated success in relationship building, negotiating and developing new business within targeted and assigned accounts. Strong analytic, quantitative and technical aptitude with great attention to detail. Self-motivated, driven and adaptable with proven track record of exceeding goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
National Key Account Manager
Retail Engage
07.2018 - 10.2025
- Contributed to strategic planning efforts designed to inform the ongoing growth of national key account management division.
- Worked with many Major Independent FMCG Groups .
- Created customized sales proposals for key accounts, showcasing unique solutions tailored to their specific needs.
- Facilitated regular account reviews and provided updates on progress toward established goals, promoting transparency in client relationships.
- Participated in industry events as a representative of the company, engaging with prospective clients while building brand awareness.
- Delivered comprehensive sales presentations to potential clients, effectively communicating the value of products and services offered.
- Developed strong relationships with national clients through effective communication and negotiation skills.
- Achieved successful contract negotiations by utilizing strong persuasion skills and industry knowledge.
- Provided exceptional support to clients, fostering long-term partnerships and generating repeat business.
- Identified new business opportunities through market research and competitive analysis, driving revenue growth.
- Increased overall sales performance by implementing strategic account management plans.
- Achieved high client satisfaction by identifying and addressing key account needs.
- Organized annual meetings between senior leadership representatives from each managed national account partner organization in order to foster open dialogue around shared goals and emerging opportunities.
- Mentored junior colleagues on best practices related to key account management strategies as well as ongoing professional development.
- Collaborated with marketing team members to create targeted promotional materials for use in attracting new business from national-level clientele.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships to drive business growth.
- Created sales forecasts to target daily, monthly and yearly objectives.
- Secured high-value accounts through consultative selling, effective customer solutions, and promoting compelling business opportunities.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Contributed to team objectives in fast-paced environment.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with professionals within assigned territory.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
- Achieved or exceeded company-defined sales quotas.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Contributed to event marketing, sales and brand promotion.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
- Stayed current on company offerings and industry trends.
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
Store Manager
Vodacom
03.2012 - 07.2018
- Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maintained open lines of communication with corporate headquarters, sharing pertinent information about store performance and requesting support when needed.
- Improved efficiency and accuracy of inventory management by implementing new stock control system.
- Developed rewards program that significantly increased repeat business by rewarding loyal customers.
- Conducted market research to better understand local consumer base, tailoring store offerings to meet their needs.
- Increased community engagement by participating in local events and sponsoring youth sports teams, raising store's profile.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure product availability, supporting customer satisfaction and sales efficiency.
- Cultivated strong team by hiring motivated individuals and fostering collaborative workplace, leading to improved store performance.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust inventory accordingly, preventing stockouts of popular items.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Streamlined store operations to reduce costs, negotiating with suppliers for better pricing and optimizing staff schedules for peak times.
Store Manager
Vodacom
02.2006 - 08.2012
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Streamlined store operations to reduce costs, negotiating with suppliers for better pricing and optimizing staff schedules for peak times.
Education
High School Diploma -
Palmview Secondary
04.2001 -
Skills
Sales presentations
FMCG Relationships
Data-driven decision making
High-impact proposal presentation
Key account management
Client relationship building
Brands
Relationship management
Pricing strategy
Territory management
Account management
Sales program creation
Client needs assessment
Business development
Sales tactics
Services optimization
Account retention
Relationship selling
Consultative selling
Needs analysis
Cross-functional collaboration
Regulatory compliance
Account presentations
Business strategies
Client onboarding
Sales negotiations
Teamwork
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Customer engagement
Multitasking
Customer satisfaction
Sales strategy
Sales reporting
Adaptability and flexibility
Organizational skills
Relationship building
Inventory management
Networking skills
Pipeline management
Direct sales
Timeline
National Key Account Manager
Retail Engage
07.2018 - 10.2025
Store Manager
Vodacom
03.2012 - 07.2018
Store Manager
Vodacom
02.2006 - 08.2012
High School Diploma -
Palmview Secondary
04.2001 -