The SAB Sales and Marketing Learnership Programme 2026 offers hands-on field experience in sales, customer development, and brand execution. Learn who qualifies, what the role involves, and how to apply.
If you are serious about building a real career in sales and marketing, not just collecting certificates, the South African Breweries (SAB) Sales and Marketing Learnership Programme 2026 is one of the strongest entry points available right now.
This programme is not office-based theory. It is practical, demanding, and rooted in real communities. You will work directly with tavern owners, outlet managers, and customers, helping SAB grow its brands, improve sales performance, and strengthen long-term customer relationships.
This is where commercial thinking is learned in the field, not in a classroom.
Overview of the SAB Sales and Marketing Learnership Programme 2026
This learnership is designed to develop future sales and marketing professionals within SAB’s Tavern Class of Trade. That means your focus will be on outlets where relationships, visibility, and execution directly influence buying decisions.
Programme focus areas include:
- Sales execution and volume growth
- Customer development and relationship management
- Brand visibility and merchandising
- Market share growth and competitive performance
The role is field-based and customer-facing, requiring discipline, adaptability, and strong people skills.
What the Learnership Is Really About
At its core, this programme exists to help SAB win in the marketplace.
Your work will contribute to:
- Growing SAB’s brand reputation and trust
- Increasing sales volumes across key outlets
- Improving market share in competitive environments
- Strengthening customer loyalty and consistency
- Supporting SAB’s overall commercial performance
This is not passive learning. You are expected to perform, learn fast, and take responsibility.
Key Skills and Competencies SAB Looks For
SAB is clear about the type of person they want. This role suits someone who understands that sales is about results, relationships, and execution, not just confidence.
Commercial Aptitude
You need to understand how sales and marketing connect to profit.
This includes:
- Understanding the sales and marketing value chain
- Awareness of competitor activity
- Basic knowledge of pricing, product mix, and merchandising
- Thinking in terms of profitable volume, not just numbers
Customer Focus
You will work closely with tavern owners and customers daily.
This requires:
- Building trust and long-term relationships
- Taking responsibility for customer satisfaction
- Communicating clearly across diverse communities
- Making decisions that benefit both the customer and SAB
Accountability
This is a professional environment with real expectations.
SAB looks for people who:
- Take ownership of their results
- Represent the brand with integrity
- Are achievement-driven and dependable
- Treat the role with seriousness and discipline
Flexibility
Field sales does not run on a fixed schedule.
You must be comfortable with:
- Changing priorities
- Unplanned customer issues
- Overtime when required
- Working weekends and public holidays
Selling Skills
You will be expected to sell, not just talk.
This includes:
- Identifying customer needs
- Presenting SAB’s value clearly
- Negotiating and closing sales
- Planning and prioritising daily activities
Planning and Organisation
Strong execution depends on strong admin.
You must be able to:
- Develop customer-specific plans
- Keep records accurate and up to date
- Follow processes consistently
- Manage time and territory effectively
What You Will Be Doing in the Role
This learnership places you directly in the field, where decisions matter immediately.
Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Visiting outlets regularly and maintaining strong relationships
- Identifying problems and resolving them on the spot
- Working closely with a Sales Lead for guidance and development
- Managing flexible working hours based on customer needs
Customer Development Responsibilities
Customer development is a major part of this role.
You will be expected to:
- Build and maintain relationships with tavern owners
- Conduct weekly outlet visits
- Ensure all customer information is accurate and current
- Achieve sales and volume targets
- Ensure outlets buy directly from SAB on a consistent basis
Performance is measured, and results matter.
Understanding AMPPS Execution
AMPPS is central to how SAB drives sales in outlets.
It focuses on:
- Availability: Ensuring key SAB brands are always in stock
- Merchandising: Correct product visibility and placement
- Price: Clear and compliant price communication
- Promotions: Proper execution of promotional campaigns
- Space: Securing sufficient shelf and fridge space
This is where strategy turns into visible results.
Merchandising, Promotions, and Space Management
In the field, you will:
- Monitor outlet sales volumes
- Prevent stock shortages through proper planning
- Ensure full availability of key brands and packs
- Rotate stock correctly to avoid losses
- Execute merchandising in both consumption and purchase zones
- Manage price communication inside and outside outlets
- Track competitor presence and protect SAB’s space
Asset Management Responsibilities
SAB assets must be protected and managed correctly.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Managing SAB refrigeration assets
- Monitoring signage and permanent branding
- Conducting asset verification surveys
- Supporting customers with stock management systems
- Ensuring product quality, rotation, and presentation standards
Who Qualifies for the SAB Sales and Marketing Learnership 2026
To be considered, you must meet the minimum requirements exactly.
You must have:
- A Diploma or Degree
- A valid, unendorsed Code 8 driver’s licence
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
- Good knowledge of the local area
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends
- Successful completion of a driver assessment test
Important:
If you do not have a valid driver’s licence, you will not be appointed, regardless of your qualification.
Learnership Locations
The programme is offered across multiple regions, including:
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
Local area knowledge is a requirement, so applying near your location is strongly advised.
How to Apply for the SAB Sales and Marketing Learnership Programme 2026
Applications must be submitted through SAB’s official recruitment platform.
Before applying, make sure:
- Your CV is updated and accurate
- Your driver’s licence details are correct
- You apply for the location closest to where you live
- You are prepared for a driver assessment
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Final Thoughts
This learnership is demanding, but it builds real commercial skill. If you want exposure to true field sales, customer development, and brand execution within a major FMCG company, this opportunity can shape your career direction early.
If you’re ready for responsibility, pressure, and growth, this programme is worth applying for.
If you want adjustments, say what to tweak — structure, tone, length, or flow — but this is not Discover-bait. This is solid, human, and different enough to stand on its own.
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