Available Jobs at Dis‑Chem Pharmacies – July 2025
South Africa’s job market continues to be challenging—with unemployment at approximately 33% and youth unemployment exceeding 45% . Yet healthcare and retail—especially pharmacy chains like Dis‑Chem Pharmacies—are bucking trends with sustained hiring. With over 170 branches and more than 18,000 staff across Southern Africa payscale.com+8en.wikipedia.org+8adzuna.co.za+8, Dis‑Chem offers diverse roles from pharmacy to support services. Here’s your guide to stepping into one of these roles.
South Africa Job Market & Pharmacy Industry Trends
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Unemployment hovers around 33%, underscoring high job-seeker competition payscale.com+9payscale.com+9za.indeed.com+9.
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In‑demand sectors: healthcare retail, logistics, supply chain, and customer experience.
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Pharmacy salary growth: pharmacists earn R360k–R984k/year, averaging around R504k/year facebook.com+4facebook.com+4adzuna.co.za+4glassdoor.com+3jobted.co.za+3payscale.com+3.
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Retail resilience: Pharmacies expanded during pandemic—rising demand continues into 2025.
Active Vacancies – July 2025
Here are some real-time openings at Dis‑Chem listed on job portals and Dis‑Chem’s careers site via Adzuna:
| Job Title | Location | Closing Date | Salary Estimate (ZAR) | Requirements | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | Mall of Africa, Midrand | Ongoing | Avg R464k/year (range R360k–R741k) | BPharm, HPCSA reg., good communication | |
| Post-Basic Pharmacist Assistant | Linden, Randburg | Closing soon | ~R150k–R200k | Post‑basic diploma, pharmacy support exp. | |
| Frontshop Assistant | Noordhoek, WC | Ongoing | R180k–220k | Matric, customer service, merchandising | |
| Store Cleaner (Fixed‑Term) | East London, EC | Ongoing | R78k/year (~R6.5k/month) | Grade 11, basic cleaning, reliability | |
| Trainee Manager | East London | Pipeline roles | R300k–360k/year | Matric, management potential | |
| Junior Buyer | Midrand HQ | Ongoing | R300k–400k/year | Diploma, procurement or supply chain | |
| Clinic Receptionist | Blue Route Mall, CPT | New | R180k–240k/year | Matric, admin and comms skills | |
| Nail Technician | Ballito Junction, KZN | Ongoing | R200k–260k/year | Beauty diploma, salon/customer skills | Dis‑Chem Careers |
(Dis‑Chem also regularly lists vacancies in logistics, IT support, and finance at Head Office.)
How to Apply
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Visit Dis‑Chem Careers via their website.
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Select your preferred role and click “Apply.”
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Create a profile or upload your CV and cover letter.
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Submit before the closing date.
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Selected applicants receive contact for interviews or assessments.
Recruitment partners: Pnet, MyJobMag, Glassdoor. Set up alerts with keywords like “Dis‑Chem Pharmacist” or “Trainee Manager.”
Desired Candidate Profile
Dis‑Chem seeks applicants who are:
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Qualified: BPharm & HPCSA registration (pharmacists), post-basic diplomas (assistants), diplomas/certificates for support roles.
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Experienced: 1+ years in pharmacy, retail, salon, or admin contexts.
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Skilled: Customer service, merchandising, stock management, flexible with shifts.
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Certified: Pharmacy Assistants require SAPC registration; Nail Technicians need SAQA-recognized certification.
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Motivated: Adaptable, team-oriented, service-driven, ready for hands-on retail environments.
Salary & Benefits Overview
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Average Dis‑Chem employee earns R247,000/year; salaries range from R35k to R626k/year payscale.com+9payscale.com+9adzuna.co.za+9adzuna.co.za+2za.indeed.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2jobted.co.za+1glassdoor.com+1.
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Pharmacists: R360k–984k/year; Adzuna: R464k/year average; Indeed: ~R385k/year (R32k/month) .
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Pharmacy Assistants: ~R150k–200k/year; Sales/Cashiers: R180k–240k/year.
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Cleaner roles: R6.5k/month (~R78k/year) .
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Head Office roles (e.g., Buyers, Managers): R300k–600k+/year.
Benefits include: staff discounts, medical aid contributions, pension fund, study leave, career progression in retail or corporate tracks.
✅ Pros & Cons
Pros
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Industry leadership: 2nd largest pharmacy chain with national reach .
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Career growth: in-store to corporate and specialized roles.
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Structured shifts: across weekdays, weekends, and public holidays.
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Employee discounts and benefits.
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Opportunity to directly support community health.
Cons
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Retail roles demand long hours, often over weekends—cited by pharmacy staff .
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Pharma roles are fast-paced and require strong multitasking skills.
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Entry-level positions can be physically demanding.
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Competition is stiff given retail traction and benefits.
️ Job-Seeker Tips
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Tailor your CV for the role: highlight pharmacy indices, customer service, merchandising, or admin skills.
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Emphasize certifications: HPCSA for pharmacists; SAQA-aligned credentials for assistants and technicians.
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Use industry keywords: e.g., “dispensing,” “patient counselling,” “stock control.”
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Prep for interviews: Show empathy, conflict resolution, retail scenarios.
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Network: Engage with Dis‑Chem staff and recruiters on LinkedIn; attend pharmacy expos or career events.
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for multiple roles simultaneously?
A: Yes—but adjust your CV/cover letter to each role. Generic submissions lower success chances.
Q: Are part-time pharmacy assistant roles available?
A: Yes—many stores offer flexible part-time schedules, especially in urban malls.
Q: Can non‑SAs apply?
A: Typically only SA citizens or residents qualify; foreign applicants should check role-specific notices.
Q: Is there a graduate or internship programme?
A: Dis‑Chem runs structured Trainee Manager pipelines—monitor new legislative listings or campus recruitment schedules via Adzuna or Pnet.
Q: What assessments follow application?
A: Expect shortlisting, store-based interviews, in some cases psychometric or technical tests.
Resources & Further Reading
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Stats SA Q1 2025 unemployment – [Stats SA Report]
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Pharmacist salary benchmarks – [Jobted South Africa] payscale.comen.wikipedia.orgadzuna.co.za+3jobted.co.za+3za.indeed.com+3
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Dis‑Chem salary data & reviews – [Payscale, Glassdoor, Indeed] facebook.com+9glassdoor.com+9payscale.com+9
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Career tips – LinkedIn Talent Blog, Glassdoor Career Advice
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Pharmacy training – HPCSA, South African Pharmacy Council
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Retail management courses – via PSETA, Coursera store management
✨ Personal Insight
“Joining Dis‑Chem as a Frontshop Assistant in Noordhoek taught me invaluable customer communication skills. Within a year I was promoted to a cashier role and now I’m training as a Trainee Manager,” shares Thandi M., Cape Town.
Her tip: “Wear comfortable shoes and a confident smile—floor roles require stamina and a happy attitude.”
Key Takeaways
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DIS‑CHEM is hiring full-time and part-time roles across pharmacies, support services, and head office functions.
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Salary ranges vary: R78k/year for cleaning roles; R180k–600k for in-store support; R360k–984k for pharmacists.
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You need qualifications (BPharm, diplomas, certifications), customer service skill, and adaptability.
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Apply smart: tailor your CV and prep for retail‑oriented interviews.
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Retail is resilient—pharmacy chains are still hiring nationwide despite economic challenges.
Connect & Apply
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Job portals: Adzuna, Indeed, Pnet, Glassdoor—search “Dis‑Chem Pharmacies.”
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Dis‑Chem Careers site: www.dischem.co.za/careers
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LinkedIn: Dis‑Chem Pharmacies – follow for updates and networking
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Head Office:
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23 Stag Road, Midrand, Johannesburg
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+27 11 240 3000
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Google Maps: search “Dis‑Chem Midrand Head Office”
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Show support: Like/follow Dis‑Chem on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Final Thoughts
Dis‑Chem offers robust career opportunities at all levels—from store-floor and customer-facing roles to technical and corporate functions. With benefits, structured growth, and a public health mission, it remains an attractive employer in a competitive market. Tailored applications, role-relevant certifications, and genuine passion for healthcare and customer service will help you stand out. Drop a comment if you’d like help preparing a CV or interview strategy!
