Overview
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited, a leading name in South Africa’s retail health and beauty industry, is inviting applications for the Casual Merchandiser position at its De Wiekus store in Kempton Park. This role is part of Dis-Chem’s initiative to build a strategic talent pool — a pre-screened group of skilled and motivated individuals ready to step into future employment opportunities within the organization.
As a Casual Merchandiser, you’ll play a vital role in upholding Dis-Chem’s world-class merchandising standards while ensuring customers receive the best possible shopping experience. Your responsibilities will extend beyond stocking shelves — you’ll help maintain store presentation, monitor product quality, ensure stock availability, and contribute to the store’s operational success. This position is ideal for individuals seeking to grow within a respected national brand that values teamwork, customer service, and excellence in retail operations.
Dis-Chem offers a vibrant, fast-paced work environment where attention to detail, discipline, and commitment are key. The role also provides exposure to various aspects of retail management, including product placement, stock control, and customer engagement. Candidates who are self-motivated, reliable, and passionate about retail service delivery will find this opportunity an excellent stepping stone into a long-term career within one of South Africa’s most trusted pharmacy retail chains.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 / Matric certificate
- Up to 6 months of retail experience (1 year preferred)
- Computer literacy (MS Office)
- Willingness and availability to work flexible retail hours
- Reliable transport or residence near the De Wiekus store
- Clear criminal and credit record
- South African citizenship
Key Competencies and Skills
- Strong communication skills (English essential; bilingual advantage)
- Customer-focused attitude and professional presentation
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Knowledge of merchandising standards and retail operations
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Integrity, honesty, and accountability in all duties
- Physically fit to handle lifting and moving stock safely
- Understanding of FMCG operations and health/safety compliance
Responsibilities
- Restock merchandise promptly to ensure maximum sales potential
- Ensure products are correctly displayed, priced, and rotated (FIFO system)
- Monitor expiry dates, report damaged or low stock, and ensure planogram compliance
- Maintain clean, organized, and visually appealing displays
- Assist in unpacking, storing, and labeling inventory
- Support with stocktaking and inventory control
- Provide helpful and professional assistance to customers
- Report discrepancies, missing labels, or unusual activity to management
- Maintain daily store upkeep and follow all Dis-Chem operational procedures
- Assist with training of new staff and contribute to a positive store environment
Important Notes
Being added to the Dis-Chem talent pool does not guarantee immediate employment. However, shortlisted candidates will be given priority consideration for upcoming opportunities matching their skills and qualifications. Only individuals meeting the specified requirements will be contacted for further assessment.
🧾 ATS-Friendly CV Guide
In today’s digital job market, most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before human eyes ever see them. These systems are designed to scan documents for keywords, structure, and formatting that align with the job description. An ATS-friendly CV improves your chance of getting past automated filters and landing an interview. Whether you are applying for the Casual Merchandiser Job at Dis-Chem position at Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited or another opportunity, your CV must speak both to machines and people. This guide walks you through proven strategies to optimize your CV from top to bottom, offering practical examples, formatting tips, and best practices to maximize your success.
1. âś… CV Structure
- Header: Example — Thabo Khumalo | 0612 74 1234 | [email protected] | Randburg, South Africa.
- Professional Summary: Tailored to the role. E.g., “Motivated customer service agent with 3+ years’ experience in retail and a track record of increasing client satisfaction scores by 25%.”
- Key Skills: Include 6–10 bullet points. E.g., Point of Sale (POS) systems, Inventory control, Conflict resolution, Merchandising, SAP, Microsoft Excel.
- Work Experience: Reverse-chronological. Example:
- Retail Assistant | Bradlows | Jan 2022 – Present
- • Assisted 40+ daily customers with purchases and queries.
- • Maintained 98% shelf availability by overseeing stock rotation.
- Education: Highest level first. E.g., “Diploma in Business Management, UNISA, 2021.”
- Certifications: “Occupational Health and Safety, 2023 (SASSETA)”
- References: “Available upon request” unless stated otherwise in job ad.
2. 🖋️ Typography & Formatting
- Font Choice: Use clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica — ATS systems can misread decorative fonts.
- Font Size: Body text should be 10.5pt–12pt; Headings 14pt–16pt for readability and emphasis.
- Spacing & Margins: Use 1.15–1.5 line spacing. Keep margins at 0.75–1 inch. This ensures text isn’t cramped and is easy to scan.
- Avoid: Tables, columns, headers/footers, text boxes — most ATS software can't interpret them properly.
- File Format: Save your CV as a PDF or DOCX — PDF preserves formatting across devices, DOCX is often required by ATS platforms.
3. ✏️ Content Best Practices
- Mirror Job Language: If the ad says “inventory management,” use that term instead of synonyms like “stock control.”
- Quantify Achievements: Numbers give weight. E.g., “Managed R50,000 monthly inventory with < 2% loss.”
- Tailor for Each Job: Don't send the same CV to every employer. Highlight different skills depending on the job ad.
- Be Clear, Not Clever: Avoid vague buzzwords. Say what you did and how it helped your company.
- Proofread! ATS won't reject for spelling — but hiring managers will. Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway.
4. đź“· Photo?
- Photos are discouraged unless required. ATS software can’t read them and they can add bias.
- If required (e.g., acting, modeling), choose a neutral background, natural lighting, and professional attire.
- Ensure file size is small if embedded. Avoid image-heavy CVs as they increase loading time.
5. 🔍 ATS Keyword Optimization Tips
Copy the exact job description and extract nouns and verbs that repeat. For example, for a Retail Assistant post: “customer service,” “cash handling,” “inventory,” “POS,” “stocktaking,” “sales target,” “merchandising,” and “teamwork.”
6. ✅ Dos and ❌ Don’ts of ATS CVs
- âś… Use job-relevant keywords
- âś… Keep formatting simple and consistent
- âś… Quantify wherever possible
- ❌ Don’t include tables or graphics
- ❌ Don’t submit images or logos
- ❌ Don’t use colored or stylized fonts
7. đź’ľ File Naming & Saving Tips
- Name format: YourName_Casual Merchandiser Job at Dis-Chem_CV.pdf
- Save as PDF unless job ad specifies otherwise
- Avoid spaces in filenames: Use underscores instead
- Check file size — keep it under 2MB
8. 🧠More about ATS
Your CV is the first impression recruiters and ATS software get of you. To pass the ATS filter, you must optimize your CV with clean formatting, appropriate keyword use, and targeted content. Focus on clearly structuring each section: headline, summary, skills, work experience, education, and certifications. Customize the content for every role by mirroring the terminology and phrasing used in the job advert. Quantify achievements wherever possible. Format with simplicity — avoid graphics and stick to standard fonts. Proofreading is non-negotiable: even small typos can disqualify you. Save and name your file properly to avoid compatibility issues. Remember, your CV must be easily readable by both algorithms and humans. By applying the principles in this guide, you will greatly improve your chances of being shortlisted for interviews and finding the right role for your skills.
Professional Summary Example
A proactive and detail-oriented retail professional with proven experience in merchandising, stock management, and customer service within fast-paced retail environments. Adept at maintaining visual merchandising standards, restocking products, and ensuring optimal store presentation, this candidate consistently supports operational efficiency while enhancing customer satisfaction. Their strong understanding of retail processes, product handling, and store layout optimization ensures seamless store functionality and maximum sales potential.
With a results-driven mindset and a passion for customer experience, this individual brings a blend of organizational skill, teamwork, and initiative. Proficient in Microsoft Office and knowledgeable about merchandising best practices, they demonstrate the ability to handle multiple priorities while adhering to company policies and safety protocols. Their work ethic, commitment to integrity, and ability to build rapport with customers and colleagues alike make them a valuable asset to any retail team — particularly one that upholds Dis-Chem’s standards of quality, service, and operational excellence.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their CV and supporting documents through the official Dis-Chem Pharmacies careers portal before 13 October 2025. Ensure your application includes up-to-date contact details, references, and proof of qualifications.
