Role Purpose : The Key Account Manager will be responsible for managing and expanding Palsgaard's customer base across the Bakery, Dairy (Ice Cream), and Confectionery segments within the assigned region (Western India). The role focuses on building strong relationships with key customers, understanding their business needs, and delivering value-driven solutions that support sustainable sales growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales Strategy & Execution

• Execute regional sales strategies aligned with organizational objectives and Global & Key Account business targets.
• Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities across assigned industries and strategic accounts.
• Manage the complete sales lifecycle using CRM systems, from lead generation to successful deal closure.
• Build, track, and manage a healthy sales pipeline to achieve revenue objectives.
• Lead commercial negotiations and contract discussions in line with company policies (PWS/CCV) to maximize business value and profitability.
• Develop and implement Customer Development Plans to drive long-term customer growth and account expansion.
• Ensure compliance with company values, business ethics, and corporate policies.

2. Key Account Management

• Develop and execute strategic account plans to achieve long-term growth, customer retention, and profitability.
• Build and strengthen long-term customer relationships by understanding customer needs and providing value-added business solutions.
• Act as a trusted business partner by identifying opportunities for business expansion, innovation, and market development.

3. CRM Management & Business Reporting

• Maintain accurate customer, opportunity, pipeline, and account information within the CRM system.
• Ensure CRM compliance through timely updates and high-quality data management.
• Prepare and maintain Opportunity Pipeline Lists (OPL), customer visit plans, and visit reports.
• Generate periodic sales and business performance reports.

4. Sales Forecasting & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Contribute to sales forecasting and validate forecasts for key and strategic accounts.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Technical Services, R&D, Product Development, Supply Chain, and other internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of customer requirements.
• Foster effective communication and teamwork across departments to enhance customer satisfaction and business performance.

5. Market Intelligence

• Conduct market research to identify emerging business opportunities and industry trends.
• Monitor competitor activities, customer developments, and changing market dynamics.
• Translate market intelligence into actionable business strategies and go-to-market initiatives.
• Provide customer and market insights to support business development, strategic planning, and marketing initiatives.

6. Innovation & New Product Development (NPD)

• Lead innovation and New Product Development (NPD) initiatives from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct market-fit assessments, feasibility studies, and opportunity analyses for new products and applications.
• Identify and introduce innovative product solutions to address evolving customer requirements.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful product launches and commercialization.

7. Customer & Market Insights

• Capture customer feedback and market trends to support new product and application development.
• Recommend innovative product concepts and business opportunities based on customer needs and emerging market trends.
• Partner with Technical, R&D, and Product Development teams to align product offerings with evolving market requirements.
• Support the identification, validation, and commercialization of innovative solutions that create customer value and drive business growth.