Account Support Specialist

We are looking for a highly organised and customer-focused Account Support Specialist to join our Sales team in Paarl. This role provides critical commercial and operational support to the Account Management function, ensuring exceptional customer service, seamless account execution, and strong account performance.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded professional who enjoys working with customers, analysing sales performance, coordinating cross-functional activities, and supporting strategic account growth. The role also offers a clear developmental pathway into Account Management, providing valuable exposure to customer relationships, sales planning, forecasting, and retailer programme management.

Key Performance Outputs

Customer & Account Support

• Support Account Managers in managing customer accounts and maintaining strong customer relationships.
  
• Act as a day-to-day contact for routine customer queries and requests.
  
• Coordinate customer meetings, reviews, and communications.
  
• Build an understanding of customer requirements, business objectives, and retail programmes.
  
• Support the execution of customer strategies, account plans, and commercial initiatives.
  

Sales & Programme Support

• Assist with weekly sales planning, demand forecasting, and volume tracking.
  
• Monitor account performance against sales targets, forecasts, and customer commitments.
  
• Prepare customer reports, business reviews, and performance updates.
  
• Support promotional planning and programme execution.
  
• Assist with annual planning sessions and retailer presentations.
  
• Identify market trends, risks, and growth opportunities within customer accounts.
  
• Consolidate market intelligence and product insights to support commercial decision-making.
  

Sales Financial Administration

• Proactively obtain customer purchase orders according to agreed sales programmes.
  
• Follow up on expected payment dates and outstanding customer accounts.
  
• Investigate overdue invoices and communicate relevant findings to the sales team.
  

Systems, Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate customer information and account activity within CRM and business systems.
  
• Coordinate rejected stock documentation and related administration.
  
• Manage stock reallocation requests and transaction finalisations.
  
• Ensure customer documentation and processes remain current and accurate.
  
• Maintain weekly pricing and cost-to-serve reporting.
  
• Identify pricing risks and highlight significant variances.
  
• Monitor order delays that may impact pricing or delivery commitments.
  
• Prepare sales reports, forecasts, analyses, and account updates.
  
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the sales support function.
  

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Commercial, Operations, Quality, and Finance teams.
  
• Ensure customer requirements are communicated and executed effectively.
  
• Assist with resolving issues related to customer orders, logistics, product availability, and account performance.
  
• Help ensure customer commitments and deadlines are consistently achieved.
  

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• BCom Degree with a major in Marketing, Logistics, International Trade, or a related field; alternatively, a relevant tertiary qualification.
  

Experience

• 2 to 5 years' experience in: Sales Support, Account Support, Customer Service, Commercial Administration
  
• Similar customer-facing commercial roles
  
• Experience within Retail, FMCG, Agriculture, Fresh Produce, Export, or Supply Chain environments is advantageous.
  

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  
• Knowledge of CRM systems is advantageous.
  
• Knowledge of ERP systems such as NetSuite advantageous.
  
• Strong email communication and business correspondence skills.
  
• Product knowledge or exposure to customer programmes will be beneficial.
  

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Strong planning and organisational abilities.
  
• Customer-centric mindset with a service-oriented approach.
  
• High attention to detail and results-driven.
  
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
  
• Effective time management skills and the ability to work under pressure.
  
• Strong follow-through and coordination skills across multiple stakeholders.
  

Why Join Us?

• This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your commercial, customer management, and sales support expertise within a dynamic industry.
  
• You'll gain exposure to key business functions, work closely with major customer accounts, and build the skills required for future progression into Account Management.
  

If you are organised, proactive, and passionate about delivering excellent customer support, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of a team committed to delivering exceptional service and building strong customer partnerships.