Shopfitting Assistant (Carpentry)
Listing reference: gelmr_000013
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 13 August 2026
Position summary
Industry: Wholesale & Retail Trade
Job category: Manufacturing, Building and Manual Work
Location: Durban North
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
We are looking for a hands-on, energetic, and detail-oriented Merchandiser / Shopfitting Assistant to join our team. This role is highly dynamic and focuses on building, installing, and merchandising new stores or major store revamps from the ground up. You will transform empty spaces into fully functional, beautifully organized, and customer-ready retail environments by assembling fixtures and strategically placing stock according to planograms.
Job description
1. Shopfitting & Display Setup
- Assemble, install, and position retail fixtures, shelving, racking, pegboards, and promotional displays.
- Ensure all installed fittings are secure, level, safe, and aligned with the store's floor plan.
- Safely use basic hand and power tools (e.g., drills, screwdrivers, hammers, levels) for assembly.
2. From-Scratch Merchandising
- Unpack, sort, and systematically organize incoming bulk stock.
- Merchandise products from scratch according to company planograms, category guidelines, and visual merchandising standards.
- Ensure optimal shelf capacity, proper product facing, and logical product grouping to maximize sales.
- Apply correct pricing labels, barcodes, and promotional signage to all merchandised items.
3. Housekeeping & Stock Management
- Keep the workspace clean, organized, and free of hazards during the setup process.
- Break down packaging materials (boxes, plastic, pallets) and dispose of them responsibly.
- Conduct stock counts and verify that merchandised stock matches the inventory checklist.
4. Collaboration & Travel
- Work closely with the Project Manager, Store Manager, and setup team to meet tight deadlines.
- Travel to various store locations as required to assist with new store openings or revamps.
- Must be prepared to travel within Africa (approximately 5 – 6 times a year) and be away from home for 2 – 3 weeks at a time when doing projects outside of KZN;
- Work shifts of 12 hours when on a project; (Overtime rates will apply)
- Certain projects require Night Shift work; (Overtime rates will apply)
- Weekend work, especially when on a project;
Minimum requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in retail merchandising, shopfitting, or warehouse setup (prior experience with new store openings is highly advantageous).
- Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret floor plans, planograms, and fixture assembly instructions.
- Physical Stamina: Must be physically fit and able to stand for long periods, climb ladders, bend, and comfortably lift and move stock or fixtures (up to 20kg).
- Tools: Proficiency in using basic manual and power tools.
- Travel: Willingness to travel to different regions and work flexible hours (including occasional night shifts or weekends during critical launch phases).
- Education: Matric / Grade 12 or equivalent.
Key Skills & Personal Attributes
- Attention to Detail: Precision in aligning shelves, placing stock, and applying price labels.
- Spatial Awareness: Ability to visualize layout designs and maximize retail space efficiency.
- Problem-Solving: Resourceful and quick to find practical solutions when assembly or spacing challenges arise.
- Team Player: Strong cooperative skills and a positive, "can-do" attitude under pressure.
Normal Hours: 07h00 – 16h00 (Monday – Friday)