South African Breweries (SAB) Sales & Marketing Learnership 2026

The South African Breweries (SAB) Sales & Marketing Learnership 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain practical work experience in one of South Africa’s leading beverage companies. This learnership is designed to develop strong sales, marketing, and customer relationship management skills while supporting SAB’s continued growth in the tavern and retail market sectors.

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About South African Breweries (SAB)

South African Breweries is part of the global AB InBev group, one of the largest brewing companies in the world. SAB is well known for investing in youth development through structured learnerships that combine formal training with real-world experience in sales and market execution.

Through this programme, learners gain exposure to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry and develop skills that are highly sought after in the sales and marketing job market.

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Purpose

The primary purpose of the SAB Sales & Marketing Learnership is to implement a market-driven and differentiated service strategy that strengthens competitiveness within the tavern class of trade. The programme focuses on driving sustainable growth in:

• Brand equity
• Sales volume
• Market share
• Competitive advantage
• Corporate reputation

Learners play an active role in supporting SAB’s market presence and ensuring strong relationships with customers across their assigned territories.

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Skills and Competencies

The learnership equips participants with a wide range of professional competencies needed for a successful career in sales and marketing.

Commercial Aptitude
Learners gain an understanding of the full sales and marketing value chain and how pricing, product mix, and merchandising affect profitability. They are also trained to analyse competitor activity and use this information to strengthen sales strategies.

Customer Focus
The programme emphasises building strong and sustainable customer relationships. Learners are expected to prioritise customer needs, collaborate on business decisions, and ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty.

Accountability and Professionalism
Participants are required to take ownership of their performance and demonstrate integrity while representing the SAB brand. The programme encourages a strong results-driven mindset and professional conduct at all times.

Flexibility and Adaptability
Learners must be able to adjust to changing market conditions, shifting priorities, and flexible working hours, including weekends and public holidays.

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Duties and Responsibilities

During the learnership, participants will be involved in day-to-day field sales activities and customer engagement. This includes identifying problems in real time, resolving customer issues, and maintaining consistent communication with outlet owners.

Learners must demonstrate resilience and the ability to work in demanding and fast-paced environments while maintaining high service standards.

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Sales, Negotiation and Relationship-Building Skills

A major focus of the programme is developing strong selling and negotiation capabilities. Learners are trained to:

• Identify customer needs and opportunities
• Present SAB’s value proposition effectively
• Build rapport with customers and secure long-term business commitments
• Plan, organise, and prioritise daily sales activities

These skills prepare participants for long-term careers in sales, key account management, and business development.

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Customer Development and Weekly Call Cycles

Learners are responsible for managing relationships with tavern owners and ensuring consistent engagement. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting weekly customer calls per outlet
• Maintaining accurate customer master data
• Achieving customer sales and volume targets
• Ensuring customers purchase SAB products directly on a weekly basis

This hands-on experience provides deep insight into customer behaviour and the operational realities of the FMCG market.

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Execution of AMPPS Strategy in Outlets

Learners support the delivery of SAB’s AMPPS strategy, which focuses on:

• Availability
• Merchandising
• Price
• Promotions
• Space

By executing AMPPS effectively, learners help ensure strong brand visibility, correct pricing, and optimal product placement in customer outlets.

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Merchandising, Pricing and Promotional Execution

The role involves ensuring that SAB products are always visible and available in taverns and retail outlets. Learners monitor volumes, manage stock rotation, and support promotional campaigns throughout the year.

They also track competitor shelf space and ensure SAB products are positioned strategically to maximise sales and protect market share.

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Asset Management and Operational Responsibilities

Learners are responsible for managing SAB’s assets placed in outlets, including refrigeration units and branded signage. They conduct asset verification surveys, ensure compliance with company standards, and assist customers with stock management systems to reduce stock-outs and maintain product quality.

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Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the South African Breweries Sales & Marketing Learnership 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A Diploma or Degree in a relevant field
• A valid and unendorsed Code 8 driver’s license
• Basic computer literacy, including experience using Microsoft Office
• Good knowledge of the local area where the position is based
• Willingness to work in a flexible working environment, including weekends and public holidays
• Ability to successfully complete a driver’s assessment test before appointment

How to apply 

Apply here online South African Breweries (SAB) Sales & Marketing Learnership 2026

Closing date :not specified