Sr. Account Executive, Retail

Let’s be unstoppable together!

Circana is a leading provider of technology, AI, and data solutions for consumer packaged goods companies, manufacturers, and retailers. Our predictive analytics and Liquid Data® platform help clients measure market share, uncover consumer behavior, and drive growth—powered by six decades of expertise and an expansive, high-quality data set.

At Circana, we are fuelled by our passion for continuous learning and growth, we seek and share feedback freely, and we celebrate victories both big and small in an environment that is flexible and accommodating to our work and personal lives.  We’re a global company dedicated to fostering inclusivity and belonging. We value and celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that each individual brings. By embracing a wide range of backgrounds, skills, expertise, and beyond, we create a stronger, more innovative environment for our employees, clients, and communities. With us, you can always bring your full self to work.  Join our inclusive, committed team to be a challenger, own outcomes, and stay curious together. Circana is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Circana.

Learn more at www.circana.com.

Our Critical Sales Skills

At the heart of our commercial success is a team of professionals who combine strategic insight, customer-centricity, and executional excellence. These skills represent the core capabilities required to drive value for our clients and sustainable growth for our business.

• Effectively Presents Solutions: Delivers tailored, compelling solutions that align with customer needs and drive action.
• Knows the Buying Influences: Identifies key decision-makers and understands their motivations and influence.
• Manages Buyer Indifference: Recognizes and explores customer hesitation to uncover new needs or opportunities.
• Understands Customer Needs: Operates as a recognized expert to articulate customer needs in the customer's business language and business context.
• Being Resilient: Bounces back from setbacks with composure and positivity; helps others stay productive during tough times.
• Manages Ambiguity: Stays focused and calm in uncertain situations; guides others through change.

What will you be doing?

The Senior Account Executive is a key member of the Retail client team, responsible for delivering insight-led value to clients, driving adoption of Circana solutions, and identifying opportunities for growth. Success in this role requires strong analytical capability, commercial acumen, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to translate complex data into clear and actionable business recommendations.

Job Responsibilities

• Drive Client Growth: Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client relationships by aligning Circana’s data and software solutions with their strategic goals.
• Deliver Insight-Led Solutions: Translate complex data into actionable insights that help clients make informed decisions and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with internal teams (e.g., Client Insights, Product, and Analytics) to deliver integrated solutions and ensure client success.
• Maintain Industry Expertise: Stay current on trends in retail to position Circana as a thought leader and trusted advisor.
• Build Strategic Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across client organizations, including decision-makers and influencers.
• Utilize Sales Tools and Platforms: Leverage Circana’s proprietary platforms (e.g., Unify+, Liquid Data, Intelligence Suite) to support client engagements and solution delivery.
• Achieve Revenue Targets: Meet or exceed individual and team sales goals through disciplined pipeline management and strategic account planning.
• Champion Client Success: Ensure client satisfaction by proactively addressing challenges, identifying growth opportunities, and delivering consistent value.
• Advanced Analytic Skills: Demonstrated ability to conceive, manage, and deliver fact-based analyses, with a focus on consumer solutions, providing clients with clear, actionable insights to inform strategy.
• Manage day-to-day client relationships and act as a trusted advisor to retail stakeholders.
• Promote adoption and utilization of Circana solutions across client organizations.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of data, insights, training, and platform enhancements.
• Respond to ad hoc requests and proactively identify opportunities to drive additional client value.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with 3+ years in FMCG, retail, market research, or data analytics. Experience in point-of-sale, category management, loyalty, consumer, or supply chain analytics is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, with the ability to analyse and interpret large and complex datasets.
• Ability to communicate complex data, technology, and solution concepts in a simple and compelling manner.
• Collaborative team player with experience working across client, virtual, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders internally and externally.
• Strong project, workload, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage priorities and expectations effectively.
• Consultative approach with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and address complex business challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to different audiences.
• Demonstrated resilience and sound judgment in dealing with business and corporate challenges and change.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of commercial and contractual obligations.
• Passion for market research, consumer insights, and data-driven decision making.
• Strong analytical, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• High attention to detail and strong technology proficiency.

Circana Behaviors

As well as the technical skills, experience and attributes that are required for the role, our shared behaviors sit at the core of our organization. Therefore, we always look for people who can continuously champion these behaviors throughout the business within their day-to-day role:

• Stay Curious: Being hungry to learn and grow, always asking the big questions.
• Seek Clarity: Embracing complexity to create clarity and inspire action.
• Own the Outcome: Being accountable for decisions and taking ownership of our choices.
• Center on the Client: Relentlessly adding value for our customers.
• Be a Challenger: Never complacent, always striving for continuous improvement.
• Champion Inclusivity: Fostering trust in relationships engaging with empathy, respect, and integrity.
• Commit to each other: Contributing to making Circana a great place to work for everyone.

Location

This position can be located in the following area(s): Johannesburg

Prospective candidates may be asked to consent to background checks (in accordance with local legislation and our candidate privacy notice ) Your current employer will not be contacted without your permission.