2025 Buyer Traineeship at Pick n Pay: Learn Buying & Merchandising

Starting your career in retail buying and product management? The Pick n Pay Buyer Traineeship 2025 offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience, develop supplier negotiation skills, and understand the dynamics of the fast-paced FMCG and fashion retail industry.

Who is Pick n Pay

Pick n Pay is one of South Africa’s most trusted and established retail brands. With its flagship Pick n Pay and Boxer stores, the company is a leader in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. It is also Africa’s largest online grocery retailer, driven by innovation, affordability, and a strong customer-first approach. Pick n Pay continues to shape the future of retail by blending physical stores with advanced digital platforms, making shopping easier and more accessible for millions of customers.

What is the Buyer Traineeship

The Buyer Traineeship 2025 is a structured training programme aimed at building future retail buyers. Trainees will gain exposure to:

Product selection and customer-focused decision-making
Supplier negotiations and vendor management
Product styling, fashion trends, and colour coordination
Retail administration and compliance processes
Quality control and merchandise display strategies

This programme equips candidates with the tools to succeed in the retail industry while opening doors to career advancement.

What you will gain

Practical training in retail buying and merchandising
Hands-on experience in supplier negotiations and product sourcing
Exposure to market trends and customer behaviour in FMCG and fashion
Career development in one of South Africa’s leading retailers
A launchpad into long-term roles within the company

Candidate Role During the Programme

Select products that meet customer preferences and store requirements
Negotiate with suppliers for cost-effective, quality goods
Collaborate on production timelines and merchandise planning
Ensure compliance and administrative accuracy in buying processes
Oversee product quality and presentation in stores

Programmes/Jobs Offered

This traineeship focuses on retail buying in the following areas:

Clothing and apparel
Textile-related products
Fashion retail

Are you Eligible? Requirements

Applicants must meet the following:

Qualifications: BA/BCom degree or clothing/textile diploma
Computer skills: Proficiency in Windows, Word, Excel, and Outlook (CorelDRAW & Photoshop an advantage)
Experience: Background in clothing or textile-related work environment preferred
Commitment: Willingness to work extended hours and visit stores regularly

Ideal Candidate Exhibits

Understanding of customer needs and fashion market trends
Flair for colour coordination and product styling
Passion for clothing, apparel, and retail
Strong administrative and negotiation skills
Ability to meet deadlines with urgency
Assertiveness in decision-making and problem-solving
Enthusiastic, energetic, and committed to growth

Core Skill Values

Collaboration and teamwork
Integrity and accountability
Creativity and innovation
Professionalism and reliability
Market awareness and adaptability

How to Apply

Apply online via the official Pick n Pay careers portal
Create a personal account and upload your details, CV, and documents
Submit only through the online system (no hand-delivered, faxed, or mailed applications)
Ensure accuracy and honesty in your submission
Shortlisted candidates will undergo assessments

Location

Kenilworth, Cape Town, South Africa

Application Commences

Applications are currently open for the 2025 intake.

Stipend/Remuneration

Pick n Pay offers a competitive stipend for trainees during the programme.

Closing Date

15 September 2025

Note

Application Deadline: 15 September 2025
Programme Duration: 12-month structured training
Stipend: Paid during the programme
Restrictions: Only online applications will be accepted

Recommendations

Apply early to avoid last-minute system issues
Prepare certified copies of academic qualifications and CV in advance
Highlight your fashion knowledge and retail interest in your application
Practice for interviews and assessments by researching retail buying trends

Tips for Applying

Tailor your CV to reflect relevant retail, clothing, or textile experience
Emphasise your negotiation, administrative, and creative skills
Demonstrate your passion for fashion and retail in your cover letter
Stay updated on fashion trends to impress during assessments