Global Key Account Manager - Nordics - C&P - Softlines

As a Global Key Account Manager specializing in Softlines at SGS, your primary responsibilities include developing relationships with top customers, engaging in business development through new client acquisition, and collaborating with international teams to implement growth strategies. You'll also focus on strategic planning and sales management, ensuring compliance with company policies, and contributing to the company's overall vision of delivering sustainable and quality services.

To qualify for the Global Key Account Manager position for Softlines at SGS, you should hold a Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field. Additionally, proven experience in the Softlines market, customer-facing roles, and business development is essential. Strong leadership, communication skills, and a commitment to ethical business practices are also critical qualifications for this position.

SGS is committed to the professional development of its Global Key Account Managers by providing a hybrid working environment, opportunities to join a growing team, and training to enhance sales skills. Furthermore, SGS encourages ongoing collaboration within the Europe Softlines team, allowing you to learn from peers and industry experts while contributing to innovative projects.

Essential skills for a Global Key Account Manager at SGS include strong leadership and interpersonal communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and organizational skills. It's crucial to be IT literate in MS Office and understand the international textiles and Softlines markets to effectively manage key accounts and drive business growth.

Fluency in English is mandatory for the Global Key Account Manager role at SGS. Additionally, having proficiency in Danish or Swedish is advantageous, especially for engaging with clients in the Nordics market. A strong command of these languages will help you build effective relationships with clients and stakeholders.

When answering this question, focus on specific instances where you've successfully acquired new clients or expanded existing accounts within the Softlines industry. Highlight your strategic approach and mention any relevant metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact.

Explain your approach to prioritization by discussing time management techniques, such as categorizing tasks by urgency or importance. Provide examples of how you have successfully balanced the needs of multiple accounts and achieved positive outcomes for each.

Discuss the importance of active listening and personalized communication in building client relationships. Provide examples of how you have tailored approaches for different clients, ensuring their needs and preferences are met while fostering trust and collaboration.

Mention the resources and networks you utilize, such as industry publications, conferences, market research reports, and professional associations. Highlight any practices you engage in to stay abreast of trends affecting the Softlines sector and how this knowledge shapes your strategies.

Focus on a specific challenge involving a key account and outline the steps you took to address the issue. Emphasize your problem-solving approach, communication with the client, and the strategies you implemented to resolve the challenge and restore the relationship.

Share a personal strength that aligns with the responsibilities of the position, such as strong negotiation skills, relationship management, or a strategic mindset. Provide examples that demonstrate how this asset has contributed to your success in past roles.

Discuss your understanding of the importance of compliance and how you communicate policies to clients. Emphasize balancing client needs while adhering to company standards, and how you may have navigated situations that required both aspects.

Detail the KPIs you monitor, such as revenue growth, customer satisfaction scores, and retention rates. Explain how tracking these metrics informs your strategy and allows you to proactively address potential issues while maximizing growth opportunities.

Illustrate your understanding of collaboration by providing examples of how you actively engage with other teams or departments. Highlight specific projects or instances where collaboration led to improved outcomes for your accounts and the broader company goals.

Share your enthusiasm for SGS as a leader in testing and certification and align it with your personal and professional values, especially regarding sustainability and quality. Focus on how your career goals resonate with the company’s mission and how you can contribute to its growth.