Stockist Trainee Manager Program

Wispeco Aluminium; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aluminium solutions company is seeking candidates for its Trainee Manager Program in South Africa. This role offers a structured training path across various stockist locations, focusing on management and operations in the aluminium stockist industry. Candidates should have a university degree and 3-5 years of experience in sales or distribution environments, with strong leadership and problem-solving skills. The program prepares individuals for managerial roles and emphasizes professional development through coaching and mentorship.

Benefits

Formal classroom training

Ongoing coaching and mentoring

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: University degree or equivalent in Business, Operations, or Engineering.
• 3 to 5 years' experience in sales or distribution environments.
• Keen interest in sales and operations management.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured training program across various locations.
• Manage operations at stockist outlets and develop efficient teams.
• Prepare and deliver a branch business plan as part of program evaluation.

Skills

Sales management

Customer service

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Education

University degree or equivalent in Business or Engineering

Tools

MS Office

ERP/stock systems

Job description

Introduction

Wispeco distributes and sells aluminium extrusions through a wide network of owned and independent stockist merchants across Southern Africa.

Crealco range of architectural aluminium products deliver innovative aluminium window, door and façade solutions to the building industry.

Trusted for quality, backed by technical expertise and supported by a large distribution footprint, these products provide innovative solutions for residential, commercial and industrial building projects.

Purpose of the Program : The Trainee Manager Program is designed to equip selected individuals with the practical experience, theoretical knowledge and necessary skills necessary to take up managerial roles within any of Wispeco's own stockist merchants.

Through a structured development path, trainees will be exposed to all facets of operations and leadership in the aluminium stockist industry.

The program includes formal classroom training, practical on-the-job training and experience, with a strong emphasis on coaching and mentoring to support professional growth and development of each trainee.

Duties & Responsibilities

Participate in a structured rotational training program across various stockist locations and departments. Contribute to the effective management and continuous improvement of branch operations while developing comprehensive knowledge and skills in leadership, business management, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Attend scheduled training sessions as part of the formal training curriculum of the program. Receive ongoing coaching and mentoring from experienced managers and senior leaders to support learning, decision-making, and leadership development. Complete assignments, projects, and assessments as part of the formal training curriculum. Participate in performance reviews and feedback sessions to track progress and development areas. Prepare and deliver a branch business plan as part of program evaluation. Build strong relationships across departments to gain a holistic understanding of the organisation and the various supply and support channels. Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, collaboration and problem-solving skills in day-to-day operational challenges. Demonstrate flexibility by rotating, relocating or travelling to different branches based on business and training needs and potential deployment requirements.

• Manage operations at a stockist outlet effectively. Develop, lead, motivate and performance manage efficient teams to achieve business objectives. Implement best practices in sales, demand planning, inventory control, warehousing, and customer service. Interpret, manage and report on financial and related performance data. Contribute to sustainable profitability and growth of Wispeco Aluminium's stockist network. Be deployable in temporary or permanent roles anywhere in Wispeco's Stockist Division where capacity is required, or start‑up new or pilot branches as part of expansionary growth projects.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum Qualification : At minimum a university degree or equivalent (NQF 7) qualification in Business or Entrepreneurship Management, Operations, Warehousing or Supply Chain Management, or any other relevant qualification in Commerce or Engineering.

Preferred Experience : 3 to 5 years' experience in business-to-business environments handling sales, customer service, warehousing or distribution.

Recommended Competencies & Attributes : Enthusiasm – Keen interest to develop a career in sales and operations management in a stockist business. Adaptability – Able to quickly adjust to new environments, roles, teams and responsibilities. Mobility – Willing and able to travel or relocate to branches in different provinces across South Africa. Leadership Potential – Demonstrate initiative, decision‑making ability, and willingness to take responsibility. Customer Focus – Committed to delivering high levels of service and building strong relationships. Operational Acumen – Understands the dynamics of a fast‑paced business‑to‑business environment. Communication – Clear and professional communicator with strong interpersonal skills. Learning Orientation – Open to continuous feedback and learning, both in practical and theoretical settings. Problem‑Solving – Proactively identifies issues and contributes to developing and implementing practical solutions. Computer Literacy – MS Office, ERP/stock systems and the ability to integrate and analyse data for decision‑making.