Merchandiser - Pharmaceutical
Overview
Pharmaceutical Merchandisers manage over-the-counter (OTC) medicine and health product displays in pharmacies and retail stores, ensuring product availability, compliance with merchandising standards, and optimal shelf positioning while supporting pharmacy staff with product information.
- 1Implement planograms for OTC medicines and health products
- 2Ensure product availability and forward stock rotation
- 3Monitor expiry dates and remove short-dated or expired products
- 4Create promotional displays for seasonal health campaigns (flu, allergy, etc.)
- 5Provide product information and training to pharmacy staff
- 6Maintain compliance with pharmacy regulations and SAHPRA guidelines
- 7Check pricing accuracy and promotional price implementation
- 8Build relationships with pharmacy managers and front shop supervisors
- 9Report competitive activity and pricing strategies
- 10Complete visit documentation and photography using field apps
- 11Assist with stock takes and inventory reconciliation
- 12Identify opportunities for additional shelf space and product placement
Education
Matric/Grade 12; Pharmaceutical, Nursing, or Health Sciences background advantageous
Experience
1-3 years pharmaceutical or health retail merchandising
Skills
- ✓OTC pharmaceutical product knowledge
- ✓Health and wellness product understanding
- ✓Pharmacy retail environment familiarity
- ✓Regulatory compliance awareness (SAHPRA)
- ✓Professional communication with healthcare staff
- ✓Detail orientation for expiry date management
- ✓Territory planning and store coverage
- ✓Relationship building in professional settings
Setting
Field-based visiting pharmacies, health stores, and retail chains
Hours
Standard business hours Monday to Friday; occasional Saturday mornings
Travel
70% - daily territory coverage with multiple pharmacy visits
Physical Demands
Moderate - bending, reaching, and restocking shelves
Salary Range
R8,000 - R15,000 per month
Structure
Monthly salary plus travel/fuel allowance
Benefits
Company vehicle or allowance, mobile phone, medical aid, product samples
Challenges
- •Managing strict expiry date monitoring and removal
- •Working within pharmacy space constraints
- •Coordinating with busy pharmacy staff
- •Staying current with new product launches and formulations
Opportunities
- •Career advancement to key account or area management
- •Transition to pharmaceutical sales representative roles
- •Specialization in specific therapeutic categories
- •Development into category management or marketing
Industry Trends
- •Growth in self-care and preventative health products
- •Pharmacy front-shop expansion beyond traditional medicines
- •Digital health integration and smart pharmacy solutions
- •Focus on natural and wellness product categories