Perishables Merchandiser (H14/PP/3)

Job Purpose

To ensure the effective merchandising, presentation, rotation, and replenishment of all perishable products in line with Pick n Pay’s freshness, hygiene, and customer service standards.

The Perishables Merchandiser plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, visual appeal, and stock availability across all perishable departments, while ensuring compliance with food safety, temperature, and hygiene regulations.

This role requires working in temperature-controlled environments (including cold rooms, chillers, and freezers) and the safe handling of stock, including lifting and moving heavy boxes and crates.

This position supports the department’s profitability by minimizing wastage, maximizing on-shelf availability, and ensuring that every customer experiences fresh, well-presented, and appealing products.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Merchandising and Display Standards
• Stock Rotation, Replenishment, and Availability
• Product Quality and Freshness Control
• Hygiene, Food Safety, and Compliance
• Customer Service and Sales Support
• Shrinkage, Waste, and Cost Control
• Teamwork and Communication

Key Responsibilities

Merchandising and Display Standards

• Merchandise products according to Pick n Pay’s planograms, seasonal guides, and promotional layouts.
• Ensure shelves, chillers, and display units are clean, fully stocked, and attractively presented.
• Maintain correct price labels, barcodes, and promotional signage.
• Apply consistent standards of product facing, spacing, and category organization.
• Report any stock or packaging defects immediately to the Supervisor.

Stock Rotation, Replenishment, and Availability

• Implement FIFO (First-In-First-Out) principles to ensure optimal product rotation.
• Replenish stock proactively to maintain on-shelf availability during trading hours.
• Verify expiry dates and remove all expired, damaged, or poor-quality items promptly.
• Conduct daily stock counts and assist in variance investigations when required.
• Handle and move stock safely, including lifting, carrying, and unpacking heavy boxes and crates.
• Support in back-up storage control and ensure correct cold chain handling, including movement between cold rooms, freezers, and shop floor displays.

Product Quality and Freshness Control

• Inspect product quality throughout the day and report irregularities immediately.
• Maintain temperature monitoring and record-keeping as per department requirements.
• Ensure cold chain integrity for all perishable products from receipt to display.
• Work in cold environments (chillers, freezers, and cold rooms) as required.
• Support preparation and packaging of perishable products where applicable.
• Adhere strictly to hygiene and product handling standards to ensure safety and freshness.

Hygiene, Food Safety, and Compliance

• Comply with Pick n Pay’s Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Hygiene policies at all times.
• Keep work areas, display units, storage areas, and cold rooms clean and sanitized.
• Follow procedures under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (No. 54 of 1972) and OHSA (No. 85 of 1993).
• Use safe lifting techniques and follow manual handling procedures to prevent injury.
• Wear correct PPE, including protective clothing suitable for cold environments.
• Participate in food safety audits, hygiene inspections, and staff training sessions.

Customer Service and Sales Support

• Greet and assist customers politely and professionally within the perishables area.
• Respond to product inquiries and guide customers to alternatives where needed.
• Maintain strong product knowledge of all perishable categories.
• Promote daily specials, promotions, and value offerings to increase sales.
• Support the department’s service culture by ensuring quick, friendly, and helpful interaction.

Shrinkage, Waste, and Cost Control

• Identify and report damaged or spoiled stock immediately.
• Assist in daily waste recording and implement preventative actions.
• Handle all stock carefully to avoid losses, contamination, or damage.
• Participate in departmental stock counts and shrinkage control initiatives.
• Support the department in achieving waste and shrinkage targets.

Teamwork and Communication

• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
• Report operational, maintenance, or safety issues promptly.
• Support colleagues during peak hours or promotional events.
• Uphold Pick n Pay’s values of teamwork, accountability, and operational discipline.

Performance Indicators

• Compliance with merchandising standards and planograms
• On-shelf availability and accurate rotation
• Reduction in waste, shrinkage, and expired stock
• Hygiene and food safety audit results
• Customer satisfaction and service quality
• Safe handling of stock and adherence to manual handling procedures
• Attendance, punctuality, and teamwork contribution

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all company safety, hygiene, and food compliance standards.
• Maintain compliance with the OHSA (85 of 1993) and Foodstuffs, Cosmetics & Disinfectants Act (54 of 1972).
• Work safely in temperature-controlled environments, including cold rooms and freezers.
• Follow correct manual handling and lifting procedures when handling stock.
• Participate in safety briefings and adhere to emergency procedures.
• Report hazards, spills, unsafe conditions, and equipment faults immediately.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Grade 12 / Matric (NQF Level 4) or equivalent level of literacy and numeracy required to perform the role
• Experience: Previous experience in perishable food environment relevant to the duties of the role

• Job Knowledge: Basic understanding of perishable product handling, stock rotation (FIFO), and cold chain management principles

• Physical Requirements: Ability to safely handle perishable products and perform physical duties, including lifting, carrying, and unpacking heavy boxes and crates, as well as standing and walking for extended periods

• Work Conditions: Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment, including temperature-controlled areas such as cold rooms, chillers, and freezers, while maintaining hygiene and food safety standards

• Availability: Willingness and availability to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays, in line with retail trading requirements

• Transport & Reliability: Reliable transport arrangements to ensure punctual and consistent attendance

• Process Adherence: Ability to follow merchandising, food handling, hygiene, and operational procedures with strong attention to detail

• Product Knowledge (Basic): Basic understanding of perishable product categories, storage requirements, and quality standards (training will be provided where required)

Skills and Competencies

• Good communication with customers and team members
• Ability to assist customers in a helpful and professional manner
• Knowledge of perishable product handling and storage practices
• Pays attention to detail when merchandising, rotating, and replenishing stock
• Able to work quickly and accurately in a busy environment
• Good time management and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Works effectively as part of a team
• Basic understanding of food safety, hygiene, and quality standards
• Able to follow instructions and standard operating procedures correctly

Behavioural Attributes (Work-Related)

• Shows a professional and customer-focused attitude
• Reliable and punctual with consistent attendance
• Maintains good personal hygiene and neat appearance
• Works well with others and supports team members
• Honest and responsible when handling stock and equipment
• Takes pride in product presentation and maintaining store standards
• Demonstrates care, accountability, and attention to quality
• Able to work in physically demanding and cold environments with a positive attitude
• Aligned with Pick n Pay’s values of Integrity, Accountability, and Customer Service

Employment Equity Statement

We are committed to fair employment practices and the principles of Employment Equity. Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates in line with the company’s Employment Equity Plan.