General Assistant (External Applications Only)
Job Overview
An opportunity is available for a General Assistant to join a retail store team in Mohlakeng. This position is open to external applicants only and is suited to individuals who are customer-focused, detail-oriented, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring excellent customer service, maintaining merchandising standards, and supporting overall store operations.
The General Assistant will be responsible for assisting customers, merchandising stock, ensuring correct price labelling, maintaining housekeeping standards, and complying with safety requirements within their designated area of responsibility.
Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of the General Assistant role is to ensure a positive in-store experience for customers by providing helpful service, maintaining well-stocked and neatly presented shelves, and ensuring that store areas are clean, safe, and organised. The role supports store operations by assisting with stock handling, customer queries, and adherence to operational and safety standards.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Minimum Grade 10 or NQF Level 3, plus one (1) year of relevant work experience,
OR - Grade 12 qualification with no prior related work experience
Additional requirements include:
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and the dominant local language spoken in the area
- Valid South African ID or valid work permit
- Ability to perform basic calculations accurately
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays
- Ability to work well under pressure
Key Performance Areas
1. Customer Service
The General Assistant will be expected to deliver consistent and professional customer service, including:
- Advising and assisting customers with product selection and queries
- Responding to customer needs in a friendly and helpful manner
- Assisting with resolving customer complaints and escalating issues where necessary
- Creating a welcoming shopping environment for all customers
2. Merchandising Standards
To support effective store presentation and sales, the General Assistant will:
- Merchandise bulk stock areas safely and according to the store layout plan
- Ensure shelves are fully stocked and merchandised according to planograms
- Maintain neat, organised, and visually appealing displays within the area of responsibility
- Ensure stock is unpacked and merchandised promptly after receipt
3. Housekeeping
Maintaining a clean and safe store environment is a key responsibility. Duties include:
- Ensuring aisles are free from obstacles and safe for customer movement
- Making sure customers can enter and exit aisles without risk of injury or inconvenience
- Ensuring correct shelf price labelling within the assigned area
- Completing required housekeeping checklists, including canteen and toilet/shower schedules when on duty
4. Safety (OHSA) Compliance
The General Assistant must comply with all Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requirements, including:
- Using required safety gear correctly
- Ensuring customer and staff safety within the assigned area
- Ensuring racking and bulk stock are merchandised safely
- Reporting safety risks, hazards, or discrepancies to the Store Manager promptly
5. Stock Loss Management
To minimise stock losses, the role includes:
- Reporting damaged or faulty stock within the area of responsibility to the Store Manager
- Handling stock responsibly to prevent unnecessary losses
Values and Behavioural Expectations
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following values:
Integrity
- Acts honestly and responsibly
- Keeps commitments and creates realistic expectations
- Handles sensitive information with care
- Shows awareness of ethical boundaries and raises concerns when necessary
Accuracy
- Pays close attention to detail
- Works in an orderly and systematic manner
- Ensures tasks are completed correctly from start to finish
- Checks work to prevent errors
Client Focus
- Actively identifies and responds to customer needs
- Engages with customers in a friendly and professional manner
- Demonstrates a positive, solution-focused attitude
- Makes customers feel welcome and valued
Personal Development
- Actively works on self-improvement
- Seeks opportunities to gain new skills and experience
- Participates in relevant training programmes
- Requests feedback to improve performance
Working Conditions
This role requires flexibility, as the successful candidate must be willing to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays. The position involves standing for extended periods and performing physical tasks related to stock handling and merchandising.
Application Information
This vacancy is open to external applicants only. Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Important Notice
This job advertisement provides a general overview of the position and its requirements. Appointment will be subject to verification of qualifications, eligibility, and compliance with company policies and procedures.