Seeking a part time or full time pharmacy sales assistant to join our team.
Pharmacy OTC sales experience is essential, this is not just a retail role.
1. Person-first communication
You can triage without diagnosing: You need to ask the WWHAM questions - Who is it for, What are symptoms, How long, Action taken, Medication - comfortably and discreetly.
You know when to refer: The golden rule of OTC is knowing when not to sell and refer to the pharmacist. Every sale is under the pharmacist's supervision.
Clear, calm explanations: You can translate dosage, warnings, and directions into plain English without medical jargon.
2. Attention to detail & safety mindset
SOPs are non-negotiable: You must follow the pharmacy's Standard Operating Procedures for every OTC protocol.
Accuracy: Right product, right strength, right quantity, checking expiry, interactions flag, age restrictions.
Confidentiality: You handle sensitive health info. Discretion is essential.
3. Product and health knowledge
OTC categories: Pain relief, coughs/colds, allergies, GI, skin, eye/ear, vitamins, first aid - what they do, contraindications, and key counselling points.
Medicines vs. front-of-shop: You know the difference between General Sales, Pharmacy-only, and Prescription-only and what you can and cannot recommend.
Staying current: Willingness to do ongoing training - most pharmacies want you to have or be willing to do a QQI Level 5 / IPU Pharmacy Assistant course.
4. Customer service characteristics
Empathy, not just sales: People coming in can be worried, embarrassed, or in pain. Patience and non-judgmental attitude matter more than being pushy.
Professional boundaries: Friendly but professional. No diagnosing, no prescribing, no changing a prescription.
Dealing with difficult situations: Queues, complaints, a parent with a sick child - staying calm and organised.
5. Practical retail skills
Stock management: Rotating stock, checking dates, merchandising, re-ordering.
Till and systems: POS, cash handling, MPS / pharmacy dispensary system for OTC logging.
Teamwork: You work hand-in-hand with the pharmacist, technicians, and other assistants. The pharmacist has final say.
6. What gets you hired in Ireland
Pharmacies will almost always ask for:
- Leaving Cert or equivalent
- Previous retail / customer-facing experience preferred
- QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support or IPU Medicines Counter Assistant course - or willingness to complete it within 6 months
- Good English, basic computer skills, and ability to work Saturdays / late rotas
Pay: €14.15-€15.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
