ACADEMIC KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER (GAUTENG/CAPE TOWN)
                                         Reporting to: Academic Sales Manager

The Academic division of Jonathan Ball Publishers represents and distributes academic books on behalf of a number of well-known international academic publishers. We are looking for a key account manager to:

• Call on key Higher Education institutions and clients
• Provide excellent service to academics to meet their textbook requirements
• Service academic booksellers and ensure a good flow of information
• Develop a thorough understanding of key courses and products (including digital)
• Implement and manage marketing promotions
• Pro-actively work towards achieving and exceeding sales targets
• Collect market feedback and research on product as required
• Locate and seed future business and identify new revenue streams
• Develop and implement key account plans in line with the overall strategy
• Prepare and present sales proposals and presentations to new and existing clients
• Create tailored solutions that meet the client’s short and long-term needs
• Build strategic working relationships with clients and maintain a high level of contact
• Analyse potential sales opportunities through data analyses and segmented research
• Provide professional and exceptional client service in all interactions with clients
• Closely monitor competitors and maintain client database
• Keep all administrative work updated
• Report on sales opportunities and achievements as required (weekly and monthly)
• Maintain a high level of relevant industry knowledge

 The successful candidate must be:

• Dynamic with good interpersonal skills
• An organised and motivated self-starter and proactive problem-solver
• Able to utilise advanced causal logic
• Based in Gauteng or Cape Town but willing to travel
• Able to absorb, generalise, modify and apply sales techniques and data streams
• Able to work to deadlines and autonomously in high stress conditions
• Highly skilled in the use of the English language – speaking, reading & writing
• Concerned about the accuracy of detailed work
• Able to think, prioritise and modify actions and tasks according to business criteria
• Experienced in Excel, Word, Outlook and databases
• Competent and innovative in web research techniques and data collection/selection
• In possession of a valid Driver’s Licence and own vehicle
• In possession of a relevant tertiary qualification in publishing, marketing or sales
• Have at least three to five years of experience in a related field

The company offers a competitive salary, as well as membership of the Medical Aid and Retirement Funds.

    Applications can be sent via the following link: https://media24.simplify.hr/vacancy/ofxvgm

                             Closing date for applications: 9 February 2026

 This is a full-time position commencing as soon as possible. Anyone interested in applying for this position and who meets the requirements of the post may direct an application in the form of a comprehensive CV and covering letter online.

Given the Media24 employment equity guidelines, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups. Media24 reserves the right not to fill this position at this time should a suitable candidate not be found.

Applicants who have not received a reply within two weeks of the closing date may assume that their application has been unsuccessful.