South African Breweries (SAB) Sales and Marketing Learnership Programme 2026 Opens Across SA

If you’ve been looking for a real career-starting opportunity in South Africa’s sales and marketing space (not just another “training programme” with no direction), then the South African Breweries (SAB) Sales and Marketing Learnership Programme 2026 could be exactly what you need.

This opportunity is designed to develop young professionals who can help SAB build strong growth in the Tavern Class of Trade — meaning you’ll work closely with tavern owners, outlet managers, and customers in communities to drive sales volume, brand growth, market share, and strong customer relationships.

Quick Overview

Programme Name: SAB Sales and Marketing Learnership Programme 2026
Industry: Sales | Marketing | Customer Development | FMCG
Employer: South African Breweries (SAB)
Work Environment: Field-based, customer-facing (taverns/outlets)
Key Focus: Tavern Class of Trade customer development + execution excellence
Minimum Qualification: Diploma or Degree
Driver’s Licence Required: Yes (Valid unendorsed Code 8)
Must Work Weekends/Public Holidays: Yes (flexible environment)
Computer Skills Needed: Basic Microsoft Office + admin ability
Extra Requirement: Successful completion of a driver assessment test
Locations Available: Multiple towns across SA (listed below)
Employment Equity: SAB applies Employment Equity plan in appointments

What Is the Job Purpose?

SAB’s goal with this learnership is to build a market-driven, differentiated service that strengthens SAB’s performance in taverns.

In simple terms, your work will help SAB:

Grow brand equity (brand reputation and strength)
Improve sales volumes
Increase market share
Build competitive advantage
Strengthen corporate reputation
Ensure customers buy from SAB consistently

This is about helping SAB win in the marketplace — through real field work.

Key Skills and Competencies SAB Is Looking For

SAB doesn’t want someone who only says “I’m passionate about sales.”
They want someone who understands the job is about performance + relationships + execution.

Here are the top competencies listed in the advert (and what they mean in real life):

1) Commercial Aptitude (Business/Profit Thinking)

You must understand how sales and marketing connect in the real world.

SAB wants people who:

understand the sales and marketing value chain
actively look for competitor information
understand profitability
understand pricing, product mix and merchandising decisions

Edupstairs Tip: In an interview, you can say something like:
“I understand that sales isn’t only about selling — it’s about building profitable volume using pricing, visibility, and customer loyalty.”

2) Customer Focus (People Skills With Purpose)

You’ll work directly with tavern owners and customers, so you must be good with people.

This means:

putting customer needs first
building productive relationships
taking responsibility for customer satisfaction
collaborating on decisions
building rapport across diverse communities

This is especially important because taverns are relationship-based environments.

3) Accountability (Results + Professionalism)

SAB expects maturity and responsibility.

They want someone who:

owns their results
takes the job seriously
is achievement-driven
represents SAB with integrity

In other words: you can’t be casual about this role.

4) Flexibility (Adapt Fast)

Field sales changes daily.

You must be able to:

adapt to changes
adjust priorities quickly
handle unplanned customer issues
work overtime when needed

Yes — it can be demanding, but it develops a strong professional mindset.

5) Selling Skills (Real Sales Skills)

SAB wants someone who can:

identify customer needs
present SAB’s value proposition
close sales
negotiate outcomes
communicate clearly
plan and prioritise activities

This is not just “talking nicely” — it’s strategic selling.

6) Planning and Organising (Execution & Admin)

You must:

develop specific customer plans
focus on details
execute with excellence
keep admin accurate and updated

Many people lose opportunities because they’re unorganised. SAB doesn’t play with poor admin.

Key Roles: What You’ll Be Doing Daily

Let’s make this practical.

As part of customer development, you’ll be expected to:

Identify issues and solve problems quickly

In the field, problems happen instantly — you must respond in the moment.

Handle flexible working hours

Sales doesn’t always run 8 to 4. You may start early or finish late.

Work weekends and public holidays

Taverns operate heavily during weekends, so the work supports peak periods.

Work with a Sales Lead

You’ll receive guidance but must also show initiative.

Customer Development Responsibilities (Very Important)

This is one of the biggest parts of the job.

You will:

1) Manage customer relationships (tavern owners)

This includes communication, trust-building, and partnership development.

2) Drive weekly outlet calls

You’ll visit outlets weekly, maintain presence, solve issues, and keep the relationship active.

3) Maintain customer master data

You’ll ensure all customer information is:

input correctly
current
accurate
maintained

4) Achieve sales and volume targets

Yes, there are targets. This is a performance-based environment.

5) Ensure outlets buy directly from SAB weekly

Consistency matters. SAB wants reliable purchasing behaviour.

What Is AMPPS Delivery? (Availability, Merchandising, Price, Promotions, Space)

AMPPS is one of the most practical parts of the role.

It refers to making sure outlets are perfect in the areas that drive sales:

Availability

Are the right SAB brands available in the outlet?

Merchandising

Are products visible and well-positioned?

Price

Is the price communicated correctly and compliant?

Promotions

Are promotions executed properly throughout the year?

Space

Are SAB products getting enough shelf/fridge space compared to competitors?

This is how brands win in real life.

Merchandising, Price, Promotions and Space – Your Daily Execution Work

Here’s what SAB expects you to monitor and manage:

Monitor outlet volumes

Track sales per outlet and plan stock to avoid shortages.

Ensure 100% availability of key brands and packs

No customer should walk in and find a key product out of stock.

Stock rotation

Make sure stock is rotated properly and older stock is sold first.

Execute merchandising correctly (ITEG)

You will implement merchandising in:

consumption zones (where people drink/consume)
purchase zones (where people buy/choose)

Negotiate and execute price communication

You’ll manage:

interior and exterior price display
promotions aligned to campaigns
compliance with price points

Monitor competitor shelf space

You’ll track competitor presence and protect SAB space and sales growth.

Asset Management Responsibilities (Fridges, Signage & More)

SAB equipment is valuable. You’ll help protect and manage it.

This includes:

SAB refrigeration asset governance

You must ensure SAB fridges are accounted for and compliant in audits.

Manage permanent merchandising and signage

Posters, signage, branded items must be monitored and maintained.

Stock fridges as per ITEG

The way products are packed and displayed matters.

Conduct asset verification surveys

You may verify and record assets like fridges.

Assist customers with model stock systems

Help taverns manage stock replenishment properly.

Manage quality and rotation

Avoid expired stock, damaged stock, or poor-quality presentation.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, you must meet the minimum requirements exactly as listed:

Diploma or Degree
Valid unendorsed Code 8 driver’s licence
Basic computer literacy + Microsoft Office experience
Local area knowledge is required
Ability to work in a flexible working environment (including weekends)
Successful completion of a driver assessment test prior to appointment

Important reminder:

Even if you have a qualification, no driver’s licence = no appointment for this specific field-based learnership.

SAB Sales & Marketing Learnership 2026 Locations (All Vacancies Listed)

Here are the towns and regions included in the advert:

Central Region

Welkom
Upington
Kimberley
Bloemfontein

Inland Region

Denver
Ermelo
Groblersdal
Tzaneen
Waltloo
Makhado
Nelspruit

East Coast Region

Butterworth
Ladysmith
Springfield

Cape Region

Belville
Ottery
East London
Port Elizabeth
Queenstown

Edupstairs Advice: Apply to the location closest to you, because SAB clearly states local area knowledge is a requirement.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN BREWERIES (SAB) SALES AND MARKETING LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice (How to Make Your Application Stronger)

Here’s how you can increase your chances:

1) Fix your CV for sales roles

Your CV should reflect:

customer service experience
communication skills
field work (if any)
admin tasks (reports, Excel, stock, etc.)
targets/achievements

2) Show proof of Microsoft Office skills

Even basic skills help. Add:

MS Excel (basic tables)
MS Word
Email communication

3) Highlight your driver’s licence clearly

Put it near the top of your CV:

Driver’s Licence: Code B (unendorsed) – Valid
Own transport: (if you have it, mention it)

4) Prepare for the driver assessment test

If you haven’t driven in a while, start practising.

5) Understand tavern trade basics

In interviews, show that you understand:

taverns operate on relationships
weekends are peak trading periods
visibility and stock availability drive sales

Career Growth Path After This Learnership

This learnership can open doors into serious commercial careers, such as:

Sales Representative
Customer Development Representative
Merchandiser (Professional Track)
Area Sales Coordinator
Key Accounts Support
Brand Representative
Trade Marketing Assistant
Marketing Coordinator
Sales Analyst (with experience + strong admin skills)
Regional Sales Roles (long-term progression)

This is not only about “getting work experience” — it can be a gateway into the FMCG world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Is this learnership only for people with Matric?

No. The minimum requirement is a Diploma or Degree.

2) Do I need a driver’s licence?

Yes. You need a valid unendorsed Code 8 driver’s licence, and you must pass a driver assessment test.

3) Will I work weekends?

Yes. SAB states you must be able to work in a flexible environment, including weekends and public holidays.

4) What type of work will I do?

You will do field sales and customer development tasks such as outlet visits, merchandising execution, availability monitoring, price/promotions support, and asset management.

5) Can I apply if I don’t know the local area well?

Local area knowledge is listed as a requirement, so it’s best to apply where you are based and familiar.

6) Does SAB use strict shortlisting?

Yes. Even if you meet requirements, SAB may use additional relevant criteria for shortlisting.

CLOSING DATE: 31 JANUARY 2026

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Disclaimers (Must Read)

Edupstairs is not affiliated with SAB. We share opportunities for information purposes only.
Always verify details directly from the official SAB job listing or official recruitment channels.
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Late applications, incomplete documents, or incorrect information may result in disqualification.
SAB may close applications early or use additional shortlisting criteria.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationSouth African Breweries (SAB)

SourceOfficial website/career portal

Open source link

Apply viaOnline portal

Reference30091484

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