Key Account Manager Retail DACH (m/f/d) (Saarbrücken, DE, 66129)

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!