Head Key Account Manager - Czech Republic & Slovakia

Job description

If you’ve worn a pair of glasses, we’ve already met. We are a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames, and sunglasses. We offer our industry stakeholders in over 150 countries access to a global platform of high-quality vision care products (such as the Essilor brand, with Varilux, Crizal, Eyezen, Stellest and Transitions), iconic brands that consumers love (such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Vogue Eyewear and Costa), as well as a network that offers consumers high-quality vision care and best-in-class shopping experiences (such as Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Salmoiraghi & Viganò and the GrandVision network), and leading e-commerce platforms. Join our global community of over 190,000 dedicated employees around the world in driving the transformation of the eyewear and eyecare industry. Discover more by following us on LinkedIn ! Your #FutureInSight with EssilorLuxottica Are you willing to pioneer new frontiers, foster inclusivity and collaboration, embrace agility, ignite passion, and make a positive impact on the world? Join us in redefining the boundaries of what’s possible. Your role: As the Head Key Account Manager , you will be responsible for shaping and leading customer relationships while managing and inspiring a team of Key Account Sales Specialists. Your mission is to drive sustainable sales growth, elevate customer partnerships, and reinforce the company’s competitive position in the Czech and Slovak market. In this leadership role, you will guide the execution of key sales strategies, oversee major commercial partnerships, and ensure the continuous development and high performance of your team. You will play a central part in defining and implementing regional sales strategies, managing strategic accounts, and coordinating closely with cross‑functional teams to unlock new business opportunities. This role requires a strong commercial mindset, influential leadership, and the ability to align market actions with the company’s broader business objectives, financial targets, and operational standards. You will act as a key driver of growth, customer excellence, and strategic direction within the region. Main responsibilities: Strategic Sales Management Develop and implement joint business plans and commercial strategies for key accounts and assigned markets, fully aligned with company objectives. Define annual sales targets, monitor performance, and track progress against key KPIs. Analyse market trends, customer performance, and competitive dynamics to identify risks and new growth opportunities. Support high‑level negotiations with major partners and strategic customers. Team Leadership & Development Lead, coach, and motivate a team of Key Account Sales Specialists to ensure high performance and continuous development. Set clear objectives and provide regular feedback, guidance, and performance management. Encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth within the team. Partner Relations Build and sustain long‑term, trusted relationships with key partners across the region. Conduct regular business reviews, meetings, and site visits with strategic customers. Provide partners with commercial guidance, product expertise, and sales support. Lead negotiations for commercial agreements, partnership terms, and long-term frameworks. Cross‑functional Collaboration Act as a strong internal advocate for key clients, ensuring their needs and feedback are represented in cross‑functional discussions. Partner with the Marketing team to co‑develop tailored Joint Business Plans and execute localized campaigns and promotions. Collaborate with Finance on payments, credit management, and account health. Work with Logistics, Customer Interaction Center (CIC), and other internal departments to ensure smooth and efficient customer operations. Share market insights, customer feedback, and competitive intelligence with internal stakeholders to inform decision‑making. Main requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Studies or related field Proven experience in key account management and strategic sales development. Previous experience in team leadership and mentoring sales professionals. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Analytical mindset with a structured approach to planning, forecasting, and reporting. High level of independence, motivation, and results orientation. Ability to lead and motivate a team in a dynamic and multicultural environment. Flexibility and adaptability to changing market conditions. Languages: Czech native speaker; English – advanced #LI-RM1 Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitment​ We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities to all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that makes us unique.