Stock Controllers and Trainee Pharmacists | Clicks Vacancies & Careers

Clicks, one of South Africa’s leading retail chains in health and beauty, offers a wide range of career opportunities. Two of the most important roles within Clicks stores are stock controllers and trainee pharmacists. These positions are crucial to the smooth operation of the business, ensuring efficient stock management and providing essential pharmaceutical services to customers.

In this job post, we’ll cover what it takes to become a stock controller or a trainee pharmacist at Clicks, including an overview of the roles, expected salaries, job requirements, and how you can apply.

Job Description & Details  

Clicks, a trusted South African retail and healthcare brand, relies on stock controllers to manage inventory and trainee pharmacists to gain hands-on experience, ensuring smooth store operations and expert pharmaceutical services across its 800+ stores.

Both roles offer exciting opportunities for individuals looking to grow in the retail and healthcare fields, with potential for career advancement and valuable work experience.

Roles and Responsibilities of Stock Controllers at Clicks

A stock controller at Clicks is responsible for maintaining proper inventory levels in the store and ensuring that products are correctly accounted for. The job requires precision and an eye for detail.

• Store Assistants / Cashiers | Clicks Job Openings

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing Inventory: Keeping track of products, ensuring that shelves are fully stocked, and checking for stock shortages or overstocking.
• Receiving Deliveries: Handling deliveries from suppliers, ensuring that the quantities match the orders, and organizing items in the stockroom.
• Stock Audits: Performing regular stock checks and inventory audits to ensure accuracy.
• Stock Transfers: Coordinating the transfer of stock between stores or back to suppliers if necessary.
• Record Keeping: Using inventory management systems to log stock levels, item descriptions, and any discrepancies.

Stock controllers work closely with store managers, ensuring that stores are never out of essential items and that inventory levels are aligned with customer demand.

Roles and Responsibilities of Trainee Pharmacists at Clicks

A trainee pharmacist at Clicks is in the early stages of their pharmaceutical career, working under the supervision of registered pharmacists while gaining the necessary experience for professional certification.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with Dispensing: Trainee pharmacists help the pharmacist in dispensing medication to customers, ensuring accuracy and adherence to prescriptions.
• Providing Customer Advice: Offering advice to customers on over-the-counter medications and general health products, always under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
• Managing Prescriptions: Processing prescriptions, ensuring correct dosage, and identifying possible drug interactions.
• Stocking the Pharmacy: Ensuring that the pharmacy section is well-stocked with medications and health products.
• Learning Compliance: Gaining knowledge of pharmacy laws and compliance requirements, including safety regulations, to ensure proper pharmaceutical practice.

Trainee pharmacists also receive formal and on-the-job training, which helps them work towards becoming fully licensed pharmacists through practical experience.

Educational and Skill Requirements for Stock Controllers and Trainee Pharmacists

These two positions come with different educational and skill requirements based on the level of responsibility and technical knowledge involved.

Requirements for Stock Controllers

• Educational Qualifications: A high school diploma (Grade 12 or equivalent) is typically required for stock controller positions. Formal education in logistics or stock management is an added advantage, though not always mandatory.
• Skills:
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Basic numeracy and the ability to handle stock counts accurately
  • Familiarity with stock management software or the willingness to learn
  • Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively

Requirements for Trainee Pharmacists

• Educational Qualifications: To qualify as a trainee pharmacist, you need to be enrolled in a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree at an accredited institution. Alternatively, you may have recently graduated and are completing your internship hours as part of the professional registration process.
• Skills:
  • In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical products and their uses
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with customers
  • Strong attention to detail, especially when handling prescriptions and medication
  • The ability to work under pressure, particularly in a busy retail environment

Salaries for Stock Controllers and Trainee Pharmacists at Clicks

Salaries for stock controllers and trainee pharmacists vary depending on experience, location, and the specific responsibilities of the role.

Salary for Stock Controllers

• Entry-Level Salary: Stock controllers at Clicks can expect to earn between R6,000 and R9,000 per month, depending on location and experience.
• With Experience: Stock controllers with more experience or in larger stores may see their salaries increase to R10,000 to R12,000 per month, particularly if they are managing large inventories or complex logistics.

Salary for Trainee Pharmacists

• Entry-Level Salary: Trainee pharmacists generally earn between R12,000 and R18,000 per month as they complete their internship and gain practical experience.
• Post-Graduation Salary: After completing the required training and gaining more experience, salaries for trainee pharmacists can rise significantly, especially once they qualify as fully licensed pharmacists. Qualified pharmacists can earn between R30,000 and R50,000 per month at Clicks, depending on their role and experience level.

Benefits of Working as a Stock Controller or Trainee Pharmacist at Clicks

Clicks offers various benefits to employees in both roles, ensuring a positive work environment and long-term career prospects.

• Healthcare Benefits: Employees receive healthcare and medical aid benefits, including coverage for various medical expenses.
• Staff Discounts: Clicks employees are entitled to discounts on Clicks products, which can be particularly beneficial for health and beauty items.
• Training and Development: Clicks offers ongoing training to help employees develop their skills, including in-store training for stock controllers and formalized professional development for trainee pharmacists.
• Career Advancement: Both stock controllers and trainee pharmacists can progress into more senior roles, such as stock management or qualified pharmacists, after completing their necessary training and proving themselves in their positions.

How to Apply for Stock Controller and Trainee Pharmacist Jobs at Clicks

The application process for both roles is relatively simple and can be completed online. Here’s a guide on how to apply:

Step 1: Visit the Clicks Career Portal

• Go to the official Clicks website and navigate to the “Careers” section.
• Browse through the available job listings for stock controllers or trainee pharmacists. You can filter by location and job type to find the right position.

Step 2: Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter

• For stock controllers, highlight any prior experience in inventory management, logistics, or retail.
• For trainee pharmacists, emphasize your education in pharmacy, any relevant work experience, and your goals for becoming a fully qualified pharmacist.

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

• Follow the instructions on the career portal to upload your resume and cover letter. Ensure your contact information is up to date.
• Some applications may require you to fill out additional information forms regarding your education, work experience, and references.

Step 4: Prepare for an Interview

If selected, you’ll be invited to an interview. For stock controllers, be prepared to discuss your organizational and problem-solving skills. For trainee pharmacists, focus on your knowledge of pharmaceuticals, customer service experience, and ability to work in a team.

Tips for Standing Out During the Application Process

• Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to the specific role. Mention any relevant experience or qualifications that set you apart.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: If you’re transitioning from another field, emphasize transferable skills such as customer service, teamwork, and organizational abilities.
• Show Enthusiasm: Be sure to convey your passion for working in retail or healthcare, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow within Clicks.

Final Thoughts & Mode of Application   

A role as a stock controller or trainee pharmacist at Clicks offers an excellent starting point in the retail and healthcare industries. With competitive salaries, great benefits, and significant opportunities for career progression, these positions are ideal for those seeking long-term growth. A strong application and a commitment to learning can lead to a stable, rewarding career with Clicks.