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Merchant West Holdings Invites Qualified Graduates to Apply for the ARISE Programme Vacancies – Applications close on 31 October 2026
Merchant West Holdings is looking for fresh‑out‑of‑school talent to join its ARISE Programme. This is a full‑time, permanent role that gives new grads a fast‑track start in the world of finance and sales. The company will take in ten participants who will work across its Lending divisions in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
What the ARISE Programme Is All About
The ARISE Programme is designed as a rotational learning journey. Over the course of the scheme you will move through different parts of the business – credit analysis, operations, legal, compliance and sales. This gives you a real‑life picture of how a loan is created, approved and serviced.
When you finish the rotations, the best performers are offered a permanent Portfolio Manager position that matches their strengths and interests.
Day‑to‑Day Tasks – What You’ll Do
- Help the business grow – support new deals and look for chances to add more loans to Merchant West’s portfolio.
- Build relationships – stay in touch with clients, answer their questions and give a professional service.
- Do the numbers – run basic financial checks to see if a new client fits the lending guidelines.
- Cross‑sell – suggest other Merchant West products that could help the client’s business.
- Search for opportunities – research new markets and keep a strong list of potential customers.
- Keep the sales pipeline full – track leads, follow up on prospects and make sure there’s a steady flow of quality deals.
- Spot market trends – watch the finance news and spot new lending chances.
- Create solutions – work with internal teams to put together deals that meet both client needs and company goals.
- Negotiate terms – join talks with clients to agree on fair conditions and prices.
- Check profitability – look at the financial impact of each deal before it’s signed.
- Support deal completion – help move a transaction from the first idea right through to the final paperwork.
- Maintain records – keep accurate notes on every client and every deal.
Who Should Apply
| Required | Preferred |
|---|---|
| A bachelor’s degree in Commerce (any major) | Commerce degree with a focus on Accounting, Economics or Finance |
| Strong interest in finance and sales | No prior work experience needed |
| Good spoken and written English | Ability to work well with other team members |
| Analytical mindset – can read numbers and spot trends | Willingness to adapt quickly to new tools and products |
| High attention to detail | Professional attitude and accountability |
| Clean criminal record | Clean credit record |
If you love talking to people, enjoy solving puzzles with numbers, and want a career that combines both, this role could be a great fit.
Why the ARISE Programme Stands Out
- Permanent position – unlike short‑term internships, ARISE is a long‑term job that leads straight into a Portfolio Manager role.
- All‑round exposure – you won’t stay stuck in one department. You’ll see how credit, legal, operations and sales all work together to close a loan.
- Sales‑focused learning – the program puts a strong emphasis on business development, perfect for anyone who likes meeting new people and chasing results.
- Clear career path – after the rotations, top performers move into a fully fledged Portfolio Manager role, giving you a clear next step.
- Multiple locations – with offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, you can choose the city that best suits your lifestyle.
How to Apply
If you meet the education requirements, have a clean background check and are ready to dive into the fast‑paced world of lending, head over to the official Merchant West careers page and submit your application.
Apply now: https://merchantwest.simplify.hr/vacancy/sifea7
Quick Recap
- Role: ARISE Programme – entry‑level finance & sales graduate scheme
- Locations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban
- Start date: Immediate placement after selection
- Closing date: 31 October 2026
- Key benefits: Rotational exposure, permanent contract, clear path to Portfolio Manager, hands‑on client work
Take this chance to turn your university degree into a real career. Merchant West Holdings is waiting for bright, ambitious graduates who are ready to learn, grow and make an impact in the financial services sector.
Ready to start your finance journey? Submit your application today and become part of the ARISE Programme.