Key Account Manager Retail DACH (m/f/d)

NovaTaste

NovaTaste is a global leader in taste innovation, delivering tailored culinary solutions and memorable taste experiences. A broad portfolio of renowned brands across Europe and internationally brings together extensive expertise in spices, seasoning blends, marinades, functional ingredients and food cultures. Close to its customers and anchored in global expertise, NovaTaste develops tailored solutions for food manufacturers, wholesalers, butchers, gastronomy and food service operators. These solutions enhance taste, texture and shelf life while consistently addressing sustainability and functional requirements. The company operates 21 locations in Europe, North America and Asia and employs more than 2,400 people who serve over 12,000 customers worldwide.

As a Key Account Manager Retail DACH (m/f/d), you will strengthen our team at Eppers in Saarbrücken. In this responsible role, you will manage and develop our strategic retail customers across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH) and make a significant contribution to the sustainable growth of our business.

Responsibilities

Independently manage and strategically develop key retail accounts across the DACH region
Build and maintain long-term relationships with key customer decision-makers
Identify and realize sales, volume, and growth opportunities
Develop and implement customer-specific business and growth plans
Conduct regular business reviews and annual negotiations with key customers
Lead pricing, terms, and contract negotiations in alignment with Sales Management
Ensure achievement of agreed sales, margin, and profitability targets
Plan, negotiate, and manage promotions, marketing activities, and customer investments
Analyze customer profitability and derive improvement measures
Monitor market, customer, and competitor developments to identify new business opportunities
Support new product launches, portfolio expansions, and sales initiatives
Collaborate closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Customer Service, and Product Management teams
Coordinate and execute customer agreements, promotions, and product launches
Ensure reliable sales forecasting and demand planning
Monitor and analyze key performance indicators such as sales, margin, distribution, and market share
Prepare budgets, forecasts, and customer business plans
Maintain and analyze CRM and reporting data
Regularly report business performance and recommendations to management
Proactively resolve customer issues while ensuring excellent customer service and operational excellence

Skills

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field
Minimum of 10 years of experience in Key Account Management, preferably within retail, FMCG, food & beverage, or consumer goods industries
Proven track record of managing and growing national or regional retail accounts
Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing, negotiations, and category management
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and profitability data
Outstanding negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
Results-driven mindset with a high degree of accountability and ownership
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint; experience with ERP and CRM systems is an advantage
Fluent in German and English
Willingness to travel extensively throughout the DACH region

Benefits

High degree of autonomy and responsibility
Comprehensive onboarding and training
Company car, also available for private use
Diverse responsibilities with a high level of independence
People-oriented corporate culture within a financially stable company
Permanent full-time employment contract
Performance-related compensation
Employer contribution to a company pension scheme
Weekly team lunch

As part of the NovaTaste Group, we offer you the stability and security of a successful international organization combined with the advantages of a medium-sized, family-oriented company. We look forward to receiving your application!