Global Graduate Program – Beer Category Marketing

Explore our world, Explore your Future

Beer is more than a beverage. It brings people together, shapes culture and creates moments that matter.

At HEINEKEN Beverages, we don't just market some of the world's most iconic beer brands. We shape what's next for consumers, occasions and experiences.

If you're curious about what people will want tomorrow, inspired by innovation and ready to make an impact from day one, this could be the place for you

At HEINEKEN Beverages, you'll have the opportunity to work on leading beer brands while learning how consumer insight, creativity and commercial thinking come together to grow brands, shape occasions and create meaningful consumer experiences.

Our Global Graduate Program is for ambitious graduates who want to shape the future of beer, grow their impact and build a global career alongside talented people across HEINEKEN. You'll gain exposure to consumer trends, brand building, innovation, digital engagement, portfolio strategy and commercial execution, while developing the skills needed to become a future marketing leader.

From understanding what consumers want next to supporting campaigns, innovations and brand experiences, you'll learn how great beer brands remain relevant, build loyalty and win in the market.

About the Program:

Our Global Graduate Program is a three-year journey designed to accelerate your development and prepare you for leadership opportunities within HEINEKEN.

• Rotation 1: Set off in the HEINEKEN operating company of application in Sandton, South Africa. Here, you’ll gain a solid foundation in your specific function and an understanding of our operations, strategy, and culture.

• Rotation 2: Continue in Sandton, South Africa of application with a cross-functional assignment, widening your perspective and understanding of different business areas and how they interconnect.

• Rotation 3: Broaden your horizons with an international assignment, enhancing your global mindset and cultural adaptability.

• Landing Role: Now you’ve got all the tools, it’s time for you to apply what you’ve learnt in a management position within your country of application in South Africa. Every day will bring a chance to continue with your growth and development.

Global Graduate Program Highlights:

• A Global Community: Join a diverse network of graduates across markets and functions. Learn together and build relationships that last throughout your career.

• Support and Mentorship: Learn from former graduates and senior leaders who will guide and support you on your path.

• Extensive Learning Journey: Engage in a thorough learning and development program designed to help you become your best self.

• Have recently completed a degree in Marketing, Brand Management, Commerce, Business Science, Consumer Science, Economics, Data Analytics or a related field.

We're looking for graduates who:

• Have recently completed a degree in Marketing, Brand Management, Commerce, Consumer Science, Business Science, Economics, Data Analytics or a related field.

• Are passionate about beer, consumers, brands and creating meaningful experiences.

• Are curious, creative and motivated by continuous learning and growth

• Want to build an international career with a global company.

• Aspire to become future commercial and marketing leaders.

• Thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy taking on new challenges.

What You Will Learn:

• How world-class brands are built and grown.

• How consumer and market insights drive business decisions.

• How to develop marketing strategies and execute impactful campaigns.

• How the Beer Category grows through consumer occasions, portfolio choices and strong execution.

• How consumer, shopper, customer and market insights drive business decisions.

• How to lead projects and influence stakeholders.

• How to translate your passion for beer into a successful career in brand and commercial leadership.

• How to work across category, brand, sales, innovation, revenue growth and commercial teams.

• How to identify emerging consumer trends and turn them into opportunities for growth.

• How to challenge convention and help shape the future of the beer category.

How to turn consumer and customer opportunities into campaigns and experiences that grow brands and the category.

• Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Brand Management, Commerce, Consumer Science, Business Science, Economics, Data Analytics or a related field.

• How to build a successful career in Beer Category, brand and commercial leadership.

• Languages: English is essential, in addition to any local language requirements.

• Work Rights: You must have the right to work in the country where you are applying.

• Travel Flexibility: Global exploration can't happen from home. Our Global Graduates must be fully mobile and willing to undertake international assignments.

Your Future at HEINEKEN

So, your three-year program is complete. What's next?

Upon successfully completing the program, you'll have the opportunity to transition into a management role within your home country or one of HEINEKEN's global Operating Companies.

Your development doesn't stop there. We invest in our people through ongoing learning opportunities designed to help you continue growing as a professional and future leader.

Pioneer. Grow. Together.

Build the future of beer brands. Explore the world of HEINEKEN. Discover what's possible for your future.

How to Apply & the Selection Process

Application Submission: Upload your CV and cover letter through our application portal. Application period is from 15 to 31 October 2026.

Online Assessments: Take the online assessments. They will be based on situational behaviour scenarios, so no need to prepare anything in advance. A cognitive test is also part of the online assessment.

Interviews: Upon completing the online assessments, we will be in touch to let you know if your application has been successful. You will then be invited for two interviews. We’re aiming to hold these around November 2026.

Assessment Centre: Then it’s time for the in-person assessment centre, where you will participate in various activities and evaluations. We’re planning this for November 2026.

Disclaimer: You can complete the Online Assessment only once. If you apply to multiple GGP positions within the same country, you may receive several invitations, but the assessment is identical and accessible only a single time. Your result will be linked to the first position you applied for and visible only to recruiters for that specific role (e.g., GGP Finance, GGP Commerce). To avoid confusion and ensure your results align with your preference, we recommend applying to only one GGP position per country.

Joining HEINEKEN

Upon successfully completing all stages, you will receive an offer to join HEINEKEN’s Global Graduate Program. Cheers, and best of luck!

“Embracing and celebrating diversity is core to HEINEKEN’s purpose of “brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world. We believe that people as diverse as our brews – including and not limited to gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religious belief, nationality, social background, disability and thinking style – enrich our lives and strengthen our business. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates as we champion a culture of belonging that provides fair and equal opportunities for all.”