Givaudan: Sales Learnership 2026
Givaudan, the global leader in the fragrance and flavour industry, is offering a Sales Learnership at their commercial offices in Sandton, Johannesburg. This is a rare opportunity to enter the
world of "Sensory Business," where you will learn how the scents in your laundry detergent and the flavours in your favourite snacks are marketed and sold to major consumer brands.1. Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Employer | Givaudan South Africa |
| Position | Sales Learner (Fragrance or Taste & Well-being) |
| Location | Sandton, Gauteng |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Closing Date | 22 April 2026 |
| Stipend | Market-related (Premium Corporate Scale) |
2. Minimum Requirements
Givaudan is looking for creative and business-minded individuals:
Education: A completed National Diploma or Degree in:
Marketing / Sales Management.
Business Management.
Chemistry or Food Science (with a strong interest in the commercial side).
Status: Must be an unemployed South African citizen aged 18–35.
Attributes: High emotional intelligence (EQ), excellent presentation skills, and a "sensory" interest (passion for perfumes or food trends).
Digital Literacy: Proficiency in MS Office (PowerPoint is essential for client presentations).
3. Key Responsibilities
As a Sales Learner, you will support the Account Managers who handle Givaudan’s biggest clients:
Market Research: Analyzing local and global trends (e.g., "What are the trending scents for Gen Z in South Africa?").
Sample Management: Coordinating the delivery of fragrance or flavour samples from the lab to the client.
Client Presentations: Assisting in the preparation of "Pitch Decks" that showcase new scent or taste innovations.
CRM Maintenance: Updating client databases and tracking sales projects through the development pipeline.
Inter-departmental Liaison: Working between the "Noses" (Perfumers), Flavourists, and the client to ensure the product meets the brand's brief.
4. How to Apply
Givaudan manages its recruitment through a global Workday portal.
Online Portal: Visit the
Givaudan Careers Page .Search: Filter by location "South Africa" and look for "Sales Learner".
Required Documents:
A professional, modern CV.
Certified copy of your ID.
Full Academic Transcripts.
Process: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a digital interview and a "Sensory Assessment" to see if you can distinguish between different scent or taste profiles.
5. Important Advice for 2026
The "Sensory" Passion: In your interview, don't just talk about sales. Talk about your passion for brands. If you love how a certain brand of soap smells or how a snack tastes, explain why—this shows you understand the emotional connection Givaudan creates.
Sandton Professionalism: Givaudan’s Sandton office is a high-end corporate environment. Ensure your communication is polished and your CV is visually professional.
Relationship Building: Sales in this industry is about long-term partnerships. Highlight any experience you have in customer service or leadership roles where you had to manage people.
Global Mindset: Givaudan is a Swiss company. Mentioning your ability to work with diverse teams and your interest in international trends will be a plus.
6. Why Join Givaudan?
Industry Leader: You are learning from the #1 company in the world for flavours and fragrances.
Unique Niche: Most sales roles are in retail or tech; this is a specialized "B2B" (Business to Business) role that is highly lucrative.
Mentorship: You will be mentored by some of the most experienced Account Managers in the African region.
Creative Environment: It is one of the few corporate roles where you get to use your nose and palate as part of your daily work!
Tip: Before your interview, go to a retail store and look at the ingredients/brands of laundry detergents or soft drinks. Mentioning that you’ve noticed how "citrus" or "natural" trends are growing in the South African market will show you have the "Sales Eye" Givaudan wants!
