Ready to start a retail career now? The Pick n Pay Buyer Internship Programme 2026 opens on 15 July 2026, giving recent graduates a 24‑month foot‑in‑the‑door at one of South Africa’s biggest retailers.
What the internship is
This is a paid Buyer Internship that runs for two years. It is based in two sites: the head office in Kensington, Gauteng and a hub in Cape Town. Interns work on real buying projects, learn supplier negotiations, and see how product, price and promotion decisions affect customers.
Who can apply
You must be a South African citizen who has graduated within the last year with a BCom or BSc in a business‑related field. Acceptable degrees include Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Management, Supply Chain, Retail Management or any similar discipline.
Key skills you should already have:
- Comfort with numbers and analysis
- Strong written and spoken communication
- Confidence to interact with suppliers and colleagues
- Resilience and energy for a fast‑moving retail environment
- Good command of Microsoft Excel
What you will gain
- 24 months of hands‑on experience in retail buying
- Mentoring from senior buyers and category managers
- Opportunities to lead small projects and influence product decisions
- Development workshops that strengthen analytical and financial skills
- A clear pathway to a permanent role within Pick n Pay
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Certified copy of your BCom/BSc degree
- Academic transcripts
- Visit the official Pick n Pay application portal for your preferred location:
- Complete the online form, upload the documents listed above, and double‑check that every field is filled correctly.
- Submit before 15 July 2026. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement; keep the reference number for future contact.
Tips to improve your chances
- Proofread your CV and cover letter; spelling errors are a quick way to be screened out.
- Highlight any coursework or projects that involved data analysis, budgeting or supplier work.
- Show examples of teamwork and problem‑solving, even from university group work.
- Make sure your Excel skills are evident – list functions you know (e.g., VLOOKUP, PivotTables).
- Follow up politely if you do not hear back within two weeks of the deadline.
Next steps
If you meet the qualifications and feel excited about a career in retail buying, start preparing your documents today and apply before the 15 July deadline. Even if you are not selected, the application process is valuable practice for future opportunities.
