Frontshop Assistant Opportunity at Dis-Chem Pharmacies Mthatha

Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is inviting applications for a Frontshop Assistant (Fixed-Term Contract) position at its store in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. This opportunity is suited to a customer-focused individual who wants to gain retail experience while contributing to the daily operations of a busy pharmacy and health and beauty retailer. The successful candidate will help maintain excellent merchandising standards, support point-of-sale activities and ensure customers receive friendly, professional service in line with Dis-Chem’s policies and procedures.

The Frontshop Assistant will be responsible for keeping shelves fully stocked, ensuring products are neatly displayed and checking that merchandise is correctly labelled and priced. The position also involves operating the till, processing customer payments, assisting with stock control and maintaining a clean, organised storeroom and shop floor. Accuracy is particularly important when handling cash, processing returns, managing loyalty cards and following the company’s procedures for stock movement and payment transactions.

The Dis-Chem Frontshop Assistant vacancy in Mthatha is an entry-level opportunity for candidates with a Grade 12 or Matric certificate and between zero and six months of retail work experience. Candidates with one year of retail experience or a Retail Business Management certificate will have an advantage. Applicants should be comfortable working retail hours, communicating with customers and colleagues, following operational procedures and managing several responsibilities in a fast-paced retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that the full range of available products is displayed neatly and remains accessible to customers on the shelves.
• Monitor shelf stock and check that products have not reached their sell-by dates.
• Replenish merchandise and supplies when required to maintain product availability and support maximum sales.
• Follow up on customer enquiries about unavailable products using the customer service out-of-stock list and ensure queries are addressed promptly.
• Ensure stock delivered to the store or retrieved from the storeroom is stored and packed in the correct locations.
• Maintain accurate merchandise displays, product labels and pricing, and report price discrepancies to management.
• Keep the storeroom neat, tidy and organised in accordance with Dis-Chem standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of new products and product ranges to assist customers effectively.
• Assist with back shopping by returning misplaced merchandise to the appropriate shelves or designated areas.
• Handle all merchandise carefully to reduce losses, breakages and unnecessary stock damage.
• Process customer purchases by receiving, verifying and accurately handling payments, including cash, cards, vouchers, coupons and other accepted payment methods.
• Exchange merchandise and accept customer returns only when authorised by the Frontshop Leader.
• Process loyalty cards, including those belonging to accelerated partners, in accordance with company procedures.
• Place cash in the drop safe according to the relevant standard operating procedures.
• Ensure that line voids and price changes are approved and signed off by the Frontshop Leader and/or Retail Store Assistant.
• Maintain accurate cash flow and follow all till balancing and cash-handling procedures.
• Rotate stock regularly and comply with Dis-Chem’s stock control procedures.
• Report low stock levels, out-of-stock items, damaged merchandise and expired products to management.
• Assist with stock file counts and general stocktaking activities.
• Identify and report damaged or expired stock immediately.
• Assist with loading and off-loading deliveries when required.
• Flatten boxes after unpacking stock and transfer them to the designated area.
• Establish professional relationships with customers by providing friendly, helpful and courteous assistance.
• Report customer compliments and complaints to management for appropriate follow-up.
• Work towards the company’s customer turnover-per-hour benchmark while maintaining service quality.
• Assist with training new and existing team members when required.
• Ensure outgoing stock, items and scripts are scanned and paid for according to company procedures.
• Keep daily takings, including cash, cheques, vouchers, card slips, line voids and incomplete dockets, securely inside the till drawer until they are placed in the drop safe.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviour involving customers or staff to management.
• Maintain housekeeping standards throughout the shop floor and other designated work areas.
• Follow Dis-Chem policies, standard operating procedures and applicable health and safety regulations.
• Comply with the company’s uniform and personal appearance policy at all times.

Requirements and Skills

• Grade 12, Matric or Senior Certificate.
• Between zero and six months of retail work experience.
• At least one year of retail experience will be advantageous.
• A certificate in Retail Business Management will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of retail operations and administration.
• Ability to identify potential problems, find appropriate solutions and escalate issues to the correct level of management when necessary.
• Basic arithmetic skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly in spoken English.
• Good customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to respond to customer questions and enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Understanding of the importance of following established procedures and operational requirements.
• Ability to take personal responsibility for the quality and timely completion of assigned work with limited supervision.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, will be advantageous.
• Numerical skills and knowledge of SAP will be advantageous.
• Good attention to detail, particularly when processing payments, checking prices and handling merchandise.
• Ability to maintain accurate cash records and follow cash-handling procedures.
• Willingness and ability to work retail hours.
• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must meet the applicable MIE screening requirements, have no criminal record and maintain a clear credit rating.
• Must have a valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport.

The Frontshop Assistant (Fixed-Term Contract) opportunity at Dis-Chem Pharmacies in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, is ideal for a reliable and service-oriented candidate seeking to develop practical experience in retail operations, cashiering, merchandising and stock control. The position offers a market-related salary and requires the successful applicant to maintain Dis-Chem’s customer service, cash-handling, merchandising and safety standards. Applications close on 27 October 2026. Only successful applicants will be contacted, and candidates who have not received communication within two weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful. Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer that considers its Employment Equity Plan and targets during recruitment and actively supports applications from people with disabilities.

Apply here