Company: Ares Holdings (Vans Division)
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Contract Type: Internship (7 months)
Date Posted: 03 September 2025
Closing Date: 17 September 2025
Industry: Retail – Supply Chain
Requisition ID: Not specified
About the Company
Ares Holdings is a leading distributor of premium international brands in South Africa, managing iconic names such as Vans, Birkenstock, Crocs, and many more. The group has built its reputation on driving aspirational lifestyle brands while offering exceptional career opportunities for individuals at different stages of their professional journey.
As part of this growing organisation, Vans has become a powerhouse in youth culture and fashion, recognised globally for its footwear, apparel, and accessories that merge functionality with style. At its heart, Vans is about creativity, individuality, and authenticity, values that align closely with Ares Holdings’ focus on employee wellbeing, innovation, and long-term career growth.
The Planning Internship based in Cape Town offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the retail supply chain sector while working with one of the world’s most recognised brands. This structured internship is designed to give graduates valuable exposure to stock management, systems integration, and operational reporting within a fast-paced retail environment.
Role Overview
The Planning Intern will play a critical role in supporting the planning and supply chain team to ensure that all stock-related movements are processed accurately and efficiently. You will gain direct exposure to managing stocktakes, maintaining store accuracy, working with system integrations, and providing reports that contribute to the overall efficiency of the business.
This internship offers a 7-month contract and is ideal for graduates in retail, business, or supply chain who are eager to develop practical skills and build a strong foundation for a career in retail operations and planning.
Key Responsibilities
As a Planning Intern at Vans – Ares Holdings, you will gain experience in several core areas of retail operations:
Stores and Stock Management
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Assist in managing stocktakes across stores, ensuring variances are identified and resolved.
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Work closely with Area Managers (AMs) and store teams to maintain accurate stock levels.
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Ensure that store orders are processed accurately, using systems specific to each store.
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Provide support in maintaining and checking inter-branch transfers, guaranteeing accuracy at every step.
Systems Integrations
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Monitor and track all integrations related to stock movement in and out of stores.
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Work across multiple systems including ERP, Cargowrite, and POS systems to ensure seamless stock management.
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Manage and verify all sales integrations from point-of-sale (POS) systems to the ERP system to prevent discrepancies.
Reporting and Analysis
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Assist with the analysis of potential problem stores and highlight areas for improvement.
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Provide detailed monitoring of store accuracy through daily and weekly reports.
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Trace and identify system issues that may be causing inaccuracies in reporting or stock management.
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Support the planning team with data insights that help drive operational efficiency.
Qualifications and Skills
To qualify for this internship, candidates should meet the following requirements:
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Matric/Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
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Degree in Retail, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
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Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify discrepancies and problem-solve effectively.
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Knowledge of stock management principles is an advantage.
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Technical agility with the ability to work across multiple systems.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is desirable.
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Strategic agility with the ability to align tasks to business objectives.
What the Company Offers
As a Planning Intern at Ares Holdings, you will benefit from more than just hands-on training. The company provides a range of perks that contribute to a rewarding and supportive work experience:
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An opportunity to work with a rapidly expanding distributor of globally recognised lifestyle brands.
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Access to gym and shower facilities at the workplace.
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Complimentary sessions with a personal trainer and yoga classes.
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Healthy lunch subsidies to support employee wellness.
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50% staff discount for you and your family across all brands within the Ares Holdings portfolio.
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Company performance incentive scheme for outstanding contributions.
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Long-service recognition for employees who build lasting careers with the group.
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A Holistic Employee Wellness Programme designed to support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Why Choose This Internship?
This internship is designed not only to give you valuable experience but also to prepare you for future career growth within Ares Holdings or the broader retail industry. By joining Vans and Ares Holdings, you gain access to a network of premium brands, career development opportunities, and the chance to learn from experts in retail planning and supply chain management.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Ares Holdings is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity. The company is committed to building a workplace where individuals from all backgrounds are respected, empowered, and provided equal opportunities to thrive.
How to Apply
If you are a motivated graduate eager to kickstart your career in retail planning and supply chain, this internship offers an incredible opportunity to gain practical experience with a global brand.
Submit your application for the Planning Internship – Vans (Ares Holdings, Cape Town) before the closing date of 17 September 2025 by applying through the official careers portal:
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