Merchandiser Intern at Managed People Solutions (Multiple Locations)

Managed People Solutions is a specialist talent management and workforce solutions partner operating extensively across South Africa's dynamic wine, spirits, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. The organization collaborates with premier beverage brands and national retail chains, providing strategic in-store sales support, route-to-market execution, and brand visibility solutions. Joining Managed People Solutions affords young professionals an immersive commercial environment where operational excellence and market execution are valued.

The Junior Merchandiser Internship offers a structured 12-month experiential programme designed for recent tertiary graduates who aspire to build sustainable careers in FMCG sales, brand activation, and retail management. Interns will travel alongside senior sales representatives on assigned retail distribution routes, learning how commercial strategy translates into on-shelf presence, stock availability, and retail partner satisfaction across key retail and wholesale accounts.

Key Responsibilities & Core Duties

• Accompany commercial sales representatives on daily retail call cycles across designated territories as part of an active field support team.
• Execute professional product merchandising by unpacking stock, organizing shelves, and building eye-catching promotional floor displays aligned with brand standards.
• Maintain stock rotation by systematically checking product vintages, verifying expiration dates, and managing forward-facing stock presentation.
• Audit shelf pricing labels, promotional shelf talkers, and point-of-sale materials to ensure price integrity and brand compliance.
• Engage professionally with store managers, floor staff, and retail shoppers to address stock inquiries and cultivate positive client relationships.
• Identify out-of-stock items, monitor inventory velocity, and report merchandising metrics accurately to the regional field sales manager.

Ideal Candidate Profile & Core Attributes

• High energy, customer-focused orientation, and a strong passion for commercial sales and brand marketing.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills suitable for professional engagement with retail stakeholders.
• High level of reliability, personal integrity, and accountability in managing daily task schedules independently.
• Flexibility and physical stamina to handle retail floor operations, packing displays, and extended travel on regional sales routes.

Learning, Mentorship & Career Progression

Throughout the 12-month internship programme, participants receive ongoing mentorship from seasoned sales leaders and brand managers. Interns develop transferable capabilities in route planning, retail customer relationship management, stock forecasting, and promotional activation, positioning them competitively for permanent commercial sales, merchandiser representative, or key account coordinator roles.

How to Apply

• Degree Internship | Managed People Solutions | Silverton| Gauteng
  🔖 Ref: 5qnoqu
• Degree Internship | Managed People Solutions | Hazelwood | Gauteng
  🔖 Ref: qolhcu

• Completed Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business Management, Retail Management, or a related commercial discipline.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and verbal communication abilities.
• Positive professional attitude with a willingness to learn on-the-job and take operational initiative.
• Full commitment to completing the full 12-month internship programme on a full-time schedule.
• Full availability to work throughout high-demand retail periods, specifically including the December festive trade season.
• South African citizenship or valid work authorization.