Key Account Intern

At Philip Morris International, we’re transforming the future of our business and looking for ambitious, curious, and commercially minded young professionals to join us as Key Account Administrator Interns.

This is not the kind of internship where you spend your year observing from the sidelines.

From day one, you’ll gain meaningful exposure to the fast-paced world of Commercial Operations and Key Account Management, work on real business activities, collaborate with experienced teams, and contribute to a business that moves quickly and thinks differently

If you’re passionate about commercial operations, customer engagement, financial coordination, and building your career in a high-performance FMCG environment, this opportunity is for you.

The Key Account Administrator Intern forms part of PMI South Africa’s Early Careers / Internship Programme, designed to provide hands-on exposure to commercial administration, customer operations, financial coordination, and cross-functional business support within a multinational FMCG environment.

Programme Details

Position: Key Account Administrator Intern

Duration: 12-Month Internship Programme

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Start Date: Immediate

Eligibility: Open to South African citizens only

Stipend: Monthly stipend offered

Relocation: Relocation support is not offered for this opportunity

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to end-of-end commercial and key account operations within a multinational FMCG organisation


• Hands-on experience supporting customer, finance, supply chain, and commercial processes


• Development of foundational skills in reporting, coordination, financial administration, and stakeholder engagement


• Exposure to governance, compliance, and commercial ways of working within PMI


• Opportunities to strengthen communication, organisational, and analytical capabilities


• A hybrid working model (3 days in-office and 2 days work-from-home)


• Exposure to a globally recognised Top Employer organisation


• The opportunity to build your professional network and accelerate your career growth

What You’ll Be Doing

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain practical exposure across multiple areas within Commercial Operations and Key Account support, including:

Commercial & Financial Administration

• Provide structured administrative support across routine financial and commercial processes


• Support invoice coordination, reconciliations, and documentation tracking activities


• Assist with maintaining accurate commercial records, submissions, and approvals


• Support compliance with internal governance and approval processes

Forecasting & Order Coordination Support

• Support coordination and tracking of forecasting, ordering, and stock-related activities


• Assist with monitoring customer orders and operational follow-ups


• Work closely with Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Commercial teams to support smooth execution across accounts

Customer & Trade Programme Administration

• Support administration of approved customer agreements and trade activities


• Maintain trackers, confirmations, and supporting commercial documentation


• Assist with coordination of customer-related activities aligned to agreed commercial plans

Reporting & Performance Administration

• Prepare and maintain recurring reports, trackers, and submissions


• Support data consolidation and reporting activities across commercial teams


• Assist with monitoring performance information and operational updates

Meeting, Collaborator & Project Support

• Support coordination for customer meetings, internal engagements, and commercial discussions


• Prepare presentations, reports, and meeting documentation


• Engage with internal collaborators and external partners in a professional and learning-focused capacity


• Support ad hoc commercial and cross-functional projects where required

Process, Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Support adherence to standard operating procedures and governance requirements


• Contribute to process improvements, administrative efficiencies, and workflow enhancements


• Assist with maintaining structured and consistent ways of working across the function

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for individuals who:

• Bring energy, curiosity, and a growth mindset


• Have a strong interest in Commercial Operations, FMCG, Customer Management, or Sales Support


• Are adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced environment


• Take initiative and enjoy solving problems


• Want to learn quickly and make a meaningful impact


• Work well with people and communicate confidently


• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail

Minimum Requirements

• Completed Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Commerce, or a related field


• Maximum of 2 years working experience


• Fluent in English (written and spoken)


• Must be available to start immediately


• Ability to commit to a full-time 12-month internship programme

Advantageous

• Previous exposure within Sales Administration, Commercial Support, Finance Support, Customer Operations, Retail, or FMCG environments


• Strong Microsoft Excel and reporting capability


• Exposure to customer coordination or operational support activities

Skills & Behavioural Capabilities

• Strong understanding of commercial and customer-focused environments


• High level of accuracy and attention to detail


• Strong organisational and multitasking capability


• Ability to manage multiple recurring activities within tight timelines


• Comfortable working within governance frameworks and approval processes


• Good written and verbal communication skills


• Ability to collaborate effectively across Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Commercial teams


• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify process efficiencies and improvements

Why Join PMI?

At Philip Morris International, you’ll join a business undergoing one of the most exciting transformations in the industry. Your ideas will matter, your development will be taken seriously, and your career journey will begin with meaningful exposure from day one.

This is an opportunity to learn fast, grow professionally, and build your future in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and forward thinking.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself and kick-start your career in an environment that never stands still, we’d love to hear from you.

PMI welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, regardless of age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, religion or belief, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

We encourage applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups. Employment Equity principles and applicable legislation will be considered throughout the recruitment and selection process as part of our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the exchange of ideas.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.