Customer Executive – Industrial Channel

Company: RCL Foods

Functions: Commercial

Job Type Classification: Permanent

Location - Town / City: Westville

Job Description

At RCL FOODS we see and do things differently. We think bigger, work smarter and as a team, we collectively work towards achieving our ambition of “MORE FOOD TO MORE PEOPLE, MORE OFTEN”! We believe that the CUSTOMER is at the heart of our business and we are looking for a Customer Executive – Industrial Channel who will be accountable for leading and growing the Milling Division’s industrial customer portfolio (flour and maize) through excellent customer management, new business acquisition, and disciplined execution of profitable, sustainable growth. This role can be based in Westville or Johannesburg. Sets and delivers the national industrial sales strategy, driving pricing and contract discipline while aligning demand and supply to protect service levels and profitability. Leads and develops the sales team and collaborates with the Mill MD and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver customer value and achieve volume, margin, mix, and profitability targets.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field (MBA/PGDip advantageous).
• Valid Code EB drivers’ license
• Experience: 8–12+ years in B2B sales/commercial roles, with at least 3–5 years in a senior sales leadership capacity.
• Channel/sector exposure: Strong experience selling into industrial/manufacturing customers (ingredients/commodities/food or agri-processing preferred).
• Experience in milling, grains, ingredients, or bulk commodities is advantageous.
• Key account & negotiation: Proven track record of managing national/key accounts, leading annual negotiations, and delivering growth with margin protection.
• New business development: Demonstrated ability to build pipeline and win new customers in a competitive, price-sensitive environment.
• Commercial & financial acumen: Strong understanding of P&L drivers, pricing, discount/rebate structures, customer profitability, and contribution margin.
• Planning & execution: Experience with forecasting, demand planning collaboration, and S&OP-style processes; strong planning and organisational skills.
• Systems & tools: Strong computer literacy (MS Office; ERP/CRM such as SAP advantageous).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute channel strategies to drive sustainable, profitable growth across key customers.
• Align with cross-functional teams to deliver customer-focused solutions and support supply chain initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to inform proactive decisions.
• Deliver new business targets by identifying opportunities, building industry relationships, and leading proposals and contract negotiations.
• Manage strategic key accounts to achieve revenue, volume, and margin targets while improving customer profitability and growing long-term partnerships.
• Conduct performance analysis and develop account plans to unlock growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, leading presentations and commercial negotiations.
• Oversee channel planning, pricing, and profitability to maximize value and meet financial targets.
• Improve operational efficiency through streamlined processes and effective internal collaboration.
• Lead, coach, and develop teams to drive performance, capability, and succession planning.