Key Account Manager

embecta is a global diabetes care company that is leveraging its 100-year legacy in insulin delivery to empower people with diabetes to live their best life through innovative solutions, partnerships and the passion of more than 2,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit  or follow our social channels on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.  

Why join us?  

A career at embecta means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that empowers you to bring your authentic self to work.  Here our employees can fulfill their life's purpose through the work that they do every day. 

You will learn and work alongside inspirational leaders and colleagues who are equally passionate and committed to fostering an inclusive, growth-centered, and rewarding culture.  Our Total Rewards program – which includes competitive pay, benefits, continuous learning, recognition, career growth and life balance components – is designed to support the varying needs of our diverse and global employees. 

As the National Key Account Manager, you will be responsible for managing strategic key accounts across South Africa, ensuring alignment with the Company goals. You will build and nurture relationships with national retail pharmacy chains, government health departments, and key healthcare stakeholders. You will travel extensively to support these relationships.

This role focuses on optimising net sales revenue, operating income, and market share, within the allocated trade spend budget. You will serve as the critical link between embecta and its key accounts, managing national pharmacy sales and government contracts, while driving value through data-driven insights, service excellence, and strategic collaboration

Responsibilities

• Build, manage, and maintain trust-based relationships with key customers and stakeholders
• Expand current account penetration by offering solutions that meet customer goals
• Coordinate all aspects of account management, including demand planning, pricing, and contract compliance
• Prepare regular progress reports, forecasts, and metrics using CRM tools (e.g., SFDC)
• Act as the primary liaison between key customers and internal cross-functional teams (Logistics, Marketing, Regulatory)
• Resolve queries, complaints, and product-related issues quickly and professionally Sales & Business Development
• Drive sales in national pharmacy channels through tailored programs and promotions
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities, including cold leads and inbound enquiries
• Develop and execute commercial proposals and business plans aligned to territory objectives
• Collaborate on business development strategies and marketing campaigns
• Monitor ROI and KPIs for account-specific initiatives and investments Government & Public Sector Engagement
• Lead engagement with National Treasury, Department of Health (NDoH), and provincial procurement offices
• Monitor tenders, coordinate bid responses, and ensure tender contract compliance
• Build stakeholder relationships across public sector and healthcare forums Strategic Planning & Market Intelligence
• Gather and analyse competitive, customer, and product data to inform strategy
• Support marketing initiatives and digital campaigns tailored to South African needs
• Provide input into KOL engagement plans and healthcare professional (HCP) outreach
• Participate in local growth projects and initiatives aligned with embecta's strategic vision

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Nursing, Life Sciences, or a related field (BSc/BA)
  •
• Minimum 3+ years' experience in key account management or sales in the healthcare or pharmaceutical sector
• Demonstrated experience working with retail pharmacy and/or government tenders in South Africa
• Proven track record of meeting sales targets and managing large accounts
• Competence in MS Office and CRM systems (SFDC experience preferred)
• Valid South African driver's license and own reliable vehicle
• Fluent in English (written, spoken, and reading); other South African languages an advantage

Key Skills & Capabilities

•  Strong time management, planning, and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision
• Analytical and strategic thinking to interpret market data and trends
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High integrity and ability to handle confidential information
• Professionalism and resilience in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels
• Ability to travel nationally as required - 50 %

embecta is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.