20 free retail job description templates
Comprehensive job description templates for every retail role — from sales assistants to store managers. All aligned with the General Retail Industry Award 2020. Download instantly, no signup required.
Browse templatesRetail employment in australia
The retail industry is one of Australia's largest employers, providing jobs across supermarkets, department stores, specialty shops, boutiques and shopping centres. Retail roles range from entry-level sales positions to senior management, offering career progression opportunities for motivated staff.
Retail work involves shift patterns including weekends, evenings and public holidays to match trading hours. Customer service is central to all retail roles, requiring strong communication skills, patience and the ability to work in fast-paced environments during peak periods.
Most retail employees in Australia are covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004), which sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances and conditions. Clear job descriptions help attract quality candidates and set expectations for performance.
Retail job description templates
20 comprehensive templates covering all retail positions
Retail Sales Assistant
Customer-facing role providing sales assistance, product recommendations and service. The foundation retail position suitable for entry-level staff with training provided.
Customer Service Assistant
Front-of-store role focused on customer enquiries, complaints, returns and service desk operations. Requires strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Retail Cashier
Point-of-sale specialist handling transactions, cash management and checkout operations. Requires accuracy, attention to detail and customer service skills.
Checkout Operator
Supermarket and retail checkout role processing customer purchases efficiently. Focus on speed, accuracy and positive customer interactions at the register.
Inventory Assistant
Stock management role handling receiving, counting, tracking and maintaining inventory accuracy. Involves physical work and attention to detail.
Stock Replenisher
Operational role restocking shelves, maintaining product displays and ensuring stock availability. Often involves early morning or overnight shifts.
Floor Supervisor
First-level management role overseeing sales floor operations, staff supervision and customer service standards. Bridges frontline staff and store management.
Visual Merchandiser
Creative role designing and implementing product displays, window presentations and in-store layouts. Combines retail knowledge with design skills.
Retail Team Leader
Supervisory position leading a team of retail assistants, managing shifts and maintaining service standards. Entry point to retail management.
Store Manager
Senior management role with full accountability for store performance, staff management, sales targets, budgets and operations. Requires proven retail leadership.
Boutique Assistant
Specialist sales role in fashion boutiques or small specialty stores. Requires style awareness, personal service skills and relationship building with regular customers.
Shoe Store Assistant
Footwear retail specialist assisting with fitting, sizing, product knowledge and customer service. Requires patience and understanding of foot measurements.
Mobile Sales Consultant
Technology retail role selling mobile phones, plans and accessories. Requires technical knowledge, sales skills and ability to explain complex products.
Warehouse Retail Support
Backend operations role supporting retail stores with stock management, order picking, dispatch and warehouse duties. Physical role requiring lifting.
Gift Shop Attendant
Specialty retail role in gift shops, museums or tourist venues. Focus on customer service, product knowledge and often cash handling and wrapping services.
Garden Centre Retail Assistant
Outdoor retail role with plant knowledge, landscaping advice and physical duties. Requires horticultural interest and ability to work outdoors in all weather.
Retail Receiving Clerk
Stock receiving specialist managing deliveries, checking orders, processing paperwork and coordinating with suppliers. Backend retail operations role.
Department Supervisor
Management role overseeing a specific department in larger retail stores. Responsible for department performance, merchandising, staff and customer service in their section.
Retail Assistant Manager
Second-in-charge store management role supporting the store manager with operations, staff supervision, sales performance and deputising duties.
Fashion Retail Associate
Style-focused sales role in fashion retail providing personal styling advice, outfit coordination and trend knowledge. Requires fashion awareness and sales skills.
General retail industry award 2020
Understanding award coverage for retail employees
Award MA000004
The General Retail Industry Award 2020 applies to employers in the retail industry and their employees who perform retail work. This includes department stores, supermarkets, specialty shops, hardware stores, pharmacies and most other retail establishments.
The award sets minimum pay rates based on classification levels (Retail Employee Level 1 through to Level 7), penalty rates for weekends and public holidays, casual loading (25%), allowances for specific duties, minimum shift lengths, and rostering requirements including 7 days' notice.
All job description templates on this page reference the General Retail Industry Award as the standard for pay and conditions. Check current Retail Award rates when finalising your job descriptions.
Common retail award classifications
- Level 1: Entry-level retail assistant, sales assistant, checkout operator
- Level 2: Experienced retail assistant with additional responsibilities
- Level 3: Trade-qualified or specialist retail roles
- Level 4: Team leaders and supervisors
- Levels 5-7: Management positions including assistant managers and store managers
Who should use these templates?
These job description templates are designed for Australian retail businesses
Whether you're a small boutique or a large retail chain, clear job descriptions help attract quality candidates and set performance expectations.
What makes a good retail job description?
Essential elements for attracting quality retail candidates
All templates on this page include these essential elements, ready for you to customise.
Common retail hiring challenges
Clear job descriptions help address these issues
Weekend availability
Finding staff willing to work Saturdays and Sundays
High turnover
Frequent staff changes requiring constant recruitment
Seasonal demand
Managing Christmas and sale period staffing
Experience mismatch
Candidates with unrealistic expectations
Pay expectations
Aligning candidate expectations with award rates
Quality screening
Identifying reliable staff from many applicants
Well-written job descriptions set clear expectations and attract candidates who understand the role.
Why clear job descriptions matter
Without clear job descriptions
- Mismatched candidate expectations
- Wasted time screening unsuitable applicants
- Staff turnover from unclear expectations
- Difficulty managing performance issues
With clear job descriptions
- Attract quality candidates who understand the role
- Faster screening and hiring process
- Foundation for performance management
- Better retention through clear expectations
Legal disclaimer
These job description templates are designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and retail industry practices at the time of publication. They are provided as general guides only and do not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor each template to suit your business, store type, modern award coverage and specific requirements. Confirm the applicable award for your business and ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws. For complex situations or disputes, independent legal or HR advice should be sought.
Why retail job descriptions matter
Clear, comprehensive job descriptions form the foundation of successful retail recruitment. They help candidates understand role requirements, working conditions and expectations before applying, leading to better-matched hires and improved retention.
For retail businesses, detailed job descriptions provide the basis for fair performance management, training plans and career progression pathways. They also demonstrate compliance with Fair Work requirements by clearly outlining award coverage, classification levels and entitlements.
These 20 templates cover the full spectrum of retail roles — from entry-level positions to senior management — giving you ready-to-use foundations for building your retail team.
Retail job description FAQ
- Most retail employees are covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004). This award applies to retail establishments including department stores, specialty shops, supermarkets and other retail businesses. Some retailers may operate under enterprise agreements. Check our Retail Award pay rates guide for current rates and classifications.
- The General Retail Industry Award has multiple classification levels. Level 1 covers entry-level retail assistants, Level 2 includes experienced assistants with additional skills, Level 3 involves trade qualifications or specialist roles, and Levels 4-7 cover supervisory and management positions. Classification determines base pay rates.
- This depends on your business needs. Casual staff provide flexibility for variable demand (weekends, sales periods, Christmas) and include a 25% casual loading. Permanent part-time staff offer consistency and better retention. Most retailers use a mix — permanent staff for core hours and casuals for peak periods.
- Under the General Retail Industry Award, penalty rates apply for Saturdays (varies by employment type), Sundays (premium rates), public holidays (premium rates), and evening work after certain hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading instead of leave entitlements. Rates depend on classification level and employment type.
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