Ares Holdings Internships: A Look at Buyer and Trade Marketing Roles in Cape Town

Ares Holdings is offering two distinct internship opportunities for 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. These positions, the Buyer Internship and the Trade Marketing Internship, are designed for graduates and young professionals eager to gain practical experience in the retail and commercial sectors. Both roles provide a chance to develop skills in areas like data analysis, merchandising, marketing strategy, and retail operations, setting the stage for a career in the dynamic retail industry.

About Ares Holdings and Its Internship Programs

Ares Holdings is a company operating within the retail sector, focusing on commercial and retail operations. The internships aim to provide interns with hands-on experience and essential knowledge about how a retail business functions. The Buyer Internship specifically targets skills in data analysis and merchandising, while the Trade Marketing Internship focuses on marketing strategy, campaign execution, and retail activations. Both programs are based in Cape Town and are structured to offer significant learning and development opportunities.

Available Internship Opportunities

Ares Holdings has opened applications for two key internship positions for 2026:

• Buyer Internship: This role focuses on understanding and influencing consumer purchasing patterns through data analysis and effective merchandising.
• Trade Marketing Internship: This position offers exposure to developing and executing marketing strategies across various retail and wholesale channels.

What the Internships Offer

Interns at Ares Holdings can expect to gain valuable practical experience. The Buyer Internship includes tasks such as monitoring sales data, assisting with inventory management, and contributing to strategies for stock improvement. Interns in this role will also get a glimpse into supply chain processes.

The Trade Marketing Internship involves learning about marketing strategy and campaign planning. Interns will support the rollout of marketing plans, gain experience in visual merchandising and point-of-sale setups, and assist with consumer promotions and event activations. These experiences are designed to build a strong foundation for a career in retail marketing.

Internship Requirements and Qualifications

Buyer Internship Requirements

To be considered for the Buyer Internship, candidates need a relevant tertiary qualification and ideally one to two years of experience in a similar role. Key skills required include strong administration and merchandising abilities, good numerical skills for handling large data sets, and excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail. An understanding of supply chain processes and problem-solving skills are also important. The role requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively. Additionally, applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, own transport, and be willing to travel locally. Experience in retail stores, knowledge of retail operations, familiarity with lifestyle footwear brands, and understanding of e-commerce are considered advantageous.

Trade Marketing Internship Requirements

Specific tertiary qualification requirements for the Trade Marketing Internship were not detailed in the provided information. However, the role is geared towards graduates seeking practical marketing experience. Candidates should look for additional details on the official application page. Generally, this internship is suited for individuals interested in marketing, campaign execution, and retail activations within the fast-moving consumer goods or retail sectors.

Essential Competencies for Interns

For the Buyer Internship, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and numerical ability are paramount. Problem-solving skills are also essential for navigating the complexities of retail buying. For the Trade Marketing Internship, competencies will likely include an understanding of marketing strategy, brand management, retail marketing principles, and data analysis. Both roles demand strong communication, collaboration, and adaptability to succeed in a dynamic business environment.

Who Should Apply?

The Buyer Internship is ideal for individuals who hold a relevant qualification and have some prior experience in a similar capacity. They should be eager to develop their analytical and merchandising skills within the retail industry. The Trade Marketing Internship is best suited for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in marketing, campaign execution, and retail activations. This role is perfect for those aiming for a career in the fast-moving consumer goods or retail industries.

Application Process and Required Documents

Applications for both internships must be submitted online. Applicants are advised to prepare the following documents:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A certified copy of their South African ID.
• A certified copy of their Matric certificate.
• Certified copies of relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Academic records.
• A cover letter, which is optional but recommended.
• Proof of residence.

It is important for applicants to check the online application portal for any specific document requirements that may vary.

Application Deadlines and Important Notes

The closing date for the Buyer Internship is August 14, 2026. The closing date for the Trade Marketing Internship is August 18, 2026. Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted within two weeks after the application closing date. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection for either internship. For the Buyer Internship, a valid driver’s license and personal transport are mandatory.

Conclusion

The Ares Holdings internships in Buyer and Trade Marketing offer valuable entry points into the retail industry for aspiring professionals in Cape Town. By providing practical experience and skill development in key business functions, these programs aim to equip interns for future success. Candidates are encouraged to review the specific requirements and application deadlines carefully to ensure a successful application.