The Shoprite Group is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Receptionist/Switchboard Operator position at Transpharm in Stikland, Western Cape. The position is suitable for candidates with Grade 12 and at least 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in reception, switchboard operations, administration, or a similar environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the reception area, handling incoming calls, assisting visitors, providing administrative support, coordinating suppliers and orders, and supporting the daily operational requirements of the distribution centre.
Job Details
Job Title: Receptionist/Switchboard Operator
Reference Number: SHO260930-5
Job Type: Full Time
Location: Stikland, Western Cape
Category: Pharmaceutical
Closing Date: 9 October 2026
About the Receptionist/Switchboard Operator Position
Transpharm is looking for a professional and organised Receptionist/Switchboard Operator to join its Distribution Centre in Stikland.
The role combines front-office reception responsibilities, switchboard management, administrative duties, supplier coordination, and general operational support. The successful candidate will serve as an important point of contact for visitors, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important for this position because the successful candidate will regularly interact with both internal and external stakeholders. The role also requires good organisational abilities, attention to detail, multitasking skills, and the ability to handle administrative responsibilities efficiently.
The position provides an opportunity to gain experience within a fast-paced retail logistics and pharmaceutical distribution environment.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for answering and managing incoming telephone calls in a professional and efficient manner. Calls must be transferred to the appropriate departments or individuals, while accurate messages should be taken and communicated when necessary.
Another important responsibility will be welcoming visitors to the distribution centre. The successful candidate will assist visitors courteously, manage visitor sign-in and sign-out procedures, and ensure that visitors are directed to the correct destinations.
Maintaining a professional and organised reception area will also form part of the role. The receptionist will be expected to ensure that the front-of-house environment remains presentable and welcoming.
Administrative Support
The position includes a range of general administrative duties. These may include handling incoming and outgoing mail, managing documents, scheduling meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring that filing systems remain accurate and up to date.
The successful candidate may also be required to assist with meeting arrangements, boardroom bookings, and travel or accommodation bookings. These duties will help ensure that daily operations run smoothly.
General ad hoc administrative tasks may also be assigned according to the operational requirements of the department.
Orders and Supplier Coordination
The Receptionist/Switchboard Operator will also provide support with orders and supplier-related administration.
Responsibilities may include monitoring stock levels, processing purchase orders, obtaining quotations, and maintaining supplier documentation.
Experience dealing with suppliers or service providers will therefore be beneficial. Candidates who have previously worked with purchasing, order administration, quotations, or supplier coordination may have an advantage.
Facilities and Service Providers
The successful candidate will assist with facilities and service provider coordination.
This may include monitoring service schedules, managing consumable stock, following up on outstanding issues, and escalating problems to the relevant parties when required.
The role also includes supporting waste collection processes. This involves ensuring that waste collection arrangements are properly prepared, maintaining the necessary documentation, and following up with service providers and invoicing departments.
Security and Compliance
The position requires adherence to site security and visitor management procedures.
The successful candidate will be expected to follow established visitor and security protocols while maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
Professional conduct, attention to detail, and respect for company procedures will therefore be important aspects of the role.
Telephone Directory and Communication
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining an accurate and up-to-date telephone directory.
The role also involves providing relevant information to internal and external stakeholders when required. Good verbal communication and professional telephone etiquette are therefore essential.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates applying for the Receptionist/Switchboard Operator position must meet the requirements specified by Transpharm.
- Grade 12
- A Grade 12 (Matric) certificate is essential for this position.
Applicants should ensure that the required educational qualification is clearly reflected on their CV.
Relevant Qualification
A qualification in administration, reception, office management, or a related field is advantageous.
Although this qualification is not listed as essential, candidates who have completed relevant studies may have an advantage during the selection process.
Work Experience
- Applicants must have 1 to 2 years of experience in reception, switchboard operations, administration, or a similar role.
Relevant experience should be clearly presented on the CV, including the employer, job title, employment dates, and key responsibilities.
Experience in customer service, supplier interaction, or service provider coordination will be advantageous.
Candidates with previous experience dealing directly with customers, suppliers, visitors, contractors, or service providers may be well suited to the role.
Computer Skills
Proficient computer skills are essential.
Candidates should be comfortable using:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer literacy is important because the position involves document management, record keeping, communication, scheduling, and administrative support.
Applicants should ensure that relevant computer skills are included on their CV.
Switchboard and Telephone Systems
Knowledge of switchboard and telephone systems is essential.
Candidates should have experience handling incoming calls, transferring calls, taking messages, and communicating professionally with callers.
Driver’s Licence
- A valid driver’s licence is advantageous.
This means a driver’s licence is not listed as an essential requirement, but candidates who possess one may have an additional advantage.
Skills and Attributes
The role requires a candidate who can communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and maintain a professional approach when dealing with visitors, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Important skills for the position include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Professional telephone etiquette
- Strong organisational skills
- Good administrative abilities
- Multitasking skills
- Attention to detail
- Customer service skills
- Record-keeping abilities
- Computer literacy
- Ability to manage incoming calls
- Ability to work with suppliers and service providers
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to follow security and compliance procedures
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
A professional and approachable manner will be particularly important because the receptionist is often the first point of contact for visitors and external stakeholders.
Who Should Apply?
The vacancy may be suitable for candidates who have completed Grade 12 and have at least one year of relevant experience in reception, administration, switchboard operations, office support, or a related environment.
Candidates who have worked as receptionists, administrative assistants, office administrators, front-office administrators, switchboard operators, or in similar positions may find the opportunity relevant.
Applicants with experience in customer service, supplier coordination, purchasing administration, facilities support, or order administration may also benefit from their previous experience.
Candidates should carefully compare their qualifications and work experience with the advertised requirements before submitting an application.
How to Prepare for the Application
Applicants should ensure that their CV is updated and accurately reflects their qualifications, employment history, computer skills, and relevant responsibilities.
Particular attention should be given to experience involving reception duties, switchboard operations, customer service, administration, Microsoft Office applications, supplier communication, record keeping, and office coordination.
The CV should also clearly indicate the candidate’s Grade 12 qualification and relevant work experience.
Candidates should provide accurate employment dates and ensure that contact details are correct before submitting an application.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Shoprite Group Receptionist/Switchboard Operator position is 9 October 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date and not wait until the final day.
Important Information
Position: Receptionist/Switchboard Operator
Reference: SHO260930-5
Company: Transpharm – Shoprite Group
Location: Stikland, Western Cape
Employment Type: Full Time
Minimum Education: Grade 12/Matric
Experience: 1 to 2 years in reception, switchboard, administration, or a similar role
Closing Date: 9 October 2026
This opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates with administrative and reception experience who are looking to develop their careers within a large retail, logistics, and pharmaceutical distribution environment.
Applicants should make sure that all information provided during the application process is accurate and that the CV demonstrates how the candidate meets the essential requirements.