Commercial Support Officer Intern

Introduction

Who we are

Stern Ingredients South Africa is the newest affiliate of the German-based Stern-Wywiol Gruppe. We combine the energy and flexibility of a growing local business with the expertise, resources and international network of an established global group.

We are passionate about food and provide functional ingredients and customised solutions to customers across the food industry.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an exceptionally organised, proactive and switched-on individual to support our customers and commercial team.

The primary focus of this role is customer service. The successful candidate will help manage day-to-day customer requests, coordinate order-related communication and documentation, and ensure that customers receive accurate information and timely feedback.

This person will act as an important link between our customers and internal departments, helping to navigate requests, follow up on outstanding matters and ensure that commitments are followed through. The role also includes supporting our marketing and event activities and assisting the General Manager with special projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

The tasks in this role include but are not limited to

• Acting as a central contact for day-to-day customer enquiries and requests

• Responding to customers professionally, accurately and within appropriate timelines

• Receiving, understanding and directing customer requests to the correct internal departments

• Following up internally and ensuring that customers receive feedback and solutions

• Keeping customers informed about order progress, availability, documentation and delivery timelines

• Preparing, checking, sending and following up on order confirmations

• Assisting with quotations, samples, product information and other customer documentation

• Coordinating with Sales, Logistics, Finance, Quality and other internal departments

• Tracking open customer requests and ensuring that no enquiry or action is forgotten

• Supporting the resolution of customer issues and complaints by coordinating with the relevant internal teams

• Maintaining accurate and well-organised customer records and commercial documentation

• Supporting the sales team with presentations, customer information and general commercial administration

• Managing SISAF’s day-to-day social media activities

• Planning, creating and publishing professional social media content

• Creating marketing materials and social media posts using Canva and similar tools

• Supporting the development of marketing campaigns and promotional activities

• Coordinating event marketing, trade shows, conferences and industry functions

• Overseeing sponsorship deliverables, branding, promotional materials and communication with event organisers

• Assisting the General Manager with commercial, operational and strategic projects as required

• Taking ownership of special projects and ensuring their successful completion

Desired Experience & Qualification

Requirements

• Flawless written and spoken English is a strict, non-negotiable requirement for this position

• A relevant qualification in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Communications or a related field or relevant practical work experience

• Applicants with suitable experience in customer service, commercial administration, sales support or marketing will be considered in place of a formal qualification

• Flawless written and spoken English

• A strong customer-service mindset and professional communication skills

• Strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Confidence using Canva and social media platforms

• Excellent administrative and organisational skills

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately with documentation

• The ability to manage several customer requests, tasks and deadlines simultaneously

• The confidence to communicate with customers and coordinate across different internal departments

• An interest in commercial operations, customer service, marketing and the food industry

The key attributes that define you

• You genuinely enjoy helping customers and solving problems

• You are exceptionally organised and reliable

• You are switched on, quick to understand and able to think ahead

• You are proactive and do not wait to be reminded about outstanding tasks

• You communicate clearly, professionally and confidently

• You take ownership and follow tasks through to completion

• You have a strong eye for detail and immediately notice errors or inconsistencies

• You remain calm and structured when several requests arrive at the same time

• You are persistent in following up while remaining professional and diplomatic

• You are creative and have a good understanding of professional marketing content

• You are comfortable working independently while remaining a strong team player

• You are curious, eager to learn and willing to take on new challenges

Package & Remuneration

Our benefits

• Broad, hands-on exposure to customer service, sales, marketing and business operations

• The opportunity to work closely with the General Manager and an experienced commercial team

• Practical experience within an international food ingredients group

• A dynamic working environment in which initiative and new ideas are encouraged

• The opportunity to take real responsibility and contribute directly to the growth of the business

• A genuine pathway towards permanent employment: our internships are designed to develop future permanent team members

• To date, every intern who has successfully completed the full 12-month programme has gone on to join SISAF permanently

• Permanent placement remains subject to individual performance and the needs of the business