Job Description Template: Retail Sales Assistant
A retail sales assistant greets customers, processes transactions, maintains shop displays, and handles stock. This template helps Swiss employers attract capable candidates by clearly defining the role's daily tasks, required skills, and compensation package in CHF and Pensum percentages.
Use this template to advertise a retail sales assistant position in your Swiss store or shop. Customize the Pensum (part-time or full-time percentage), location (canton and city), and salary range to match your business. Include your company's name, the exact department or store location, and the start date.
A strong job description attracts motivated candidates who understand what the job entails. Replace italicised placeholders with your actual details. If the role requires language skills beyond the canton's primary language, name them explicitly in the requirements section.
The Role
The retail sales assistant is the face of your store. They welcome customers, answer questions about products, process cash and card payments, and ensure a clean, well-organised shopping environment. This role suits someone who enjoys direct customer contact and takes pride in keeping the shop running smoothly.
Daily tasks include serving customers at the till, restocking shelves, labelling new stock, arranging window and in-store displays, and handling returns or complaints professionally. The role may also involve light cleaning, inventory checks, and supporting the store manager with administrative tasks.
- Greet customers promptly and assist with product selection and information
- Operate the till, process payments (cash, card, mobile), and balance the drawer at shift end
- Restock shelves, rotate stock by date, and maintain tidy displays
- Monitor stock levels and alert the manager to gaps or upcoming deliveries
- Handle customer complaints or returns with empathy and seek solutions
- Comply with shop opening/closing procedures and security checks
What We're Looking For
Must-haves: customer-facing experience or proven ability to engage professionally with people; reliability and punctuality; basic numeracy (handling cash and simple sums); and fluency in [insert primary language of canton]. A shop assistant or café background counts.
Nice-to-haves: retail management system (Kasse) experience; knowledge of your product category (food, fashion, electronics); language skills beyond the main canton language; or a 13. Monatslohn expectation that fits local GAV norms. A positive attitude and willingness to learn matter more than formal qualifications.
- Must-have: [State primary language for your canton—e.g., German for Zurich, French for Geneva, Italian for Ticino]
- Must-have: Flexibility with shift patterns, including weekends and occasional evenings
- Must-have: Honest, trustworthy character (you handle cash and customer data)
- Nice-to-have: Previous retail, hospitality, or customer-service role
- Nice-to-have: Basic knowledge of [your product category, e.g., fresh food, fashion brands, electronics]
- Nice-to-have: Additional language skills for a diverse customer base
What We Offer
Salary and benefits: CHF [insert monthly gross salary or range, e.g., 3200–3600] for a [insert Pensum, e.g., 80%] position. We comply with the applicable [insert sector, e.g., Retail Trade] GAV and provide statutory insurance contributions. A [13. Monatslohn] is paid in [month] where applicable under your canton's GAV.
Working environment: A team-focused store in [insert canton/city], open [insert hours, e.g., Monday to Saturday]. On-the-job training provided. Staff discounts on products. Opportunities to develop till and customer-service skills. A supportive manager who respects punctual, honest work.
- Gross salary: CHF [amount] per month for a [Pensum]% role
- Statutory AHV/IV/EO, accident insurance (SUVA or equivalent), and unemployment insurance included
- 13. Monatslohn in [month] (check your sector's GAV for rules)
- Annual leave: [insert days, typically 20 minimum]; sick leave covered per Swiss law
- Staff discount: [insert %, e.g., 15%] on store products
- Flexible scheduling within our opening hours; advance notice for shifts where possible
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to name the language requirement?
- Yes. Swiss job postings must state the primary language required. For a Zurich retail shop, specify German (Deutsch); for Geneva, French (Français); for Ticino, Italian (Italiano). If you serve a diverse clientele, mention additional languages as nice-to-have, not must-have, unless essential.
- What salary range should I offer?
- Check the collective-bargaining agreement (GAV) for retail in your canton and sector. Salary varies by canton, experience, and Pensum. A retail assistant in Zurich may earn CHF 3400–3800/month at 100%; in Geneva, CHF 3600–4000; in Ticino, CHF 3200–3600. Consult your sector's GAV or a labour-law adviser for exact figures.
- Should I mention the 13. Monatslohn?
- Yes, if your sector's GAV guarantees it. Retail often includes a 13th-month salary paid in November or December. State it clearly in the offer section. If unsure whether your shop falls under a GAV, contact your cantonal Chamber of Commerce or a lawyer.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.