Retail Manager Job Profile

Find out the typical duties, requirements and opportunities of a retail manager…

RETAIL MANAGER

Job Description

A retail manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a department or store in accordance with overall company policy.  The main focus of any retail manager’s job is to improve the commercial performance of the store by increasing its turnover and maximising profitability. Achieving performance objectives will require action in one of the main areas of retail activity: store operations; human resources; finance; buying; customer care; marketing; logistics; information technology; and administration. 

Major parts of the job on a day-to-day basis include managing staff, finding new ways to improve sales, and meeting customer demand. 

It is not guaranteed that you will be running a whole store either, you could be working a section of a store instead. It is important to take into account what the store sells as this is relevant to the day to day tasks. You will be expected to continually increase sales and improve efficiency. You must be aware of the current competitors in your area, as well as customer expectations and market trends.  You will have the ability to deal with customer complaints and praises, to ensure excellent customer service is being provided. You will need to make sure the Health and safety requirements are being met, and organize a recruiting and training process, as this will play a major part in the management and success of your store. Visual merchandising and the preparation of special promotions, displays and events will be all to familiar. Your working hours will be likely to include weekends, and be between 35-40 hours per week. Most of your time will be spent on the shop floor, making sure everything is going smoothly, but you will probably have an office based in the store.

Typical Duties

• Managing and motivating staff
• Meeting sales targets
• Managing stock levels
• Analyzing sales figures and forecasting future sales
• Monitoring takings.
• Key Skills and Interests
• Excellent communication and ’people’ skills
• A strong commitment to customer service
• The ability to lead and motivate a team
• Confidence, drive and determination
• Good business sense
• The ability to understand and analyze sales figures
• Reliable decision-making
• Enthusiasm and passion for retail
• Able to achieve a sense of authority and deal with responsibility
• The ability to work under pressure and handle challenging situations
• An understanding of retail laws, security and health and safety

 

Job Requirements 

Most retail managers start off as sales assistants, and work there way up to supervisors then move to management. However it will be seen as an advantage if you have management experience, regardless of the sector. There are management training schemes and apprenticeships that you may be able to directly go through to become a trainee manager, but the majority of companies will be looking for people qualified to at least level 3 (for example, with A levels or an equivalent such as a BTEC National Diploma). To become a retail manager, you don’t need any specific qualifications although you will need to be competent in maths and IT. To get an advantage when looking for work, a foundation degree, BTEC HNC or degree in retail management, business or marketing can help. When you’re working for a chain, you may be offered in-house training. This could include the chance to gain work-based qualifications, such as NVQ Level 2 in Retail Skills, Level 3 in Retail and Level 4 in Sales. Structured graduate management training schemes usually last between 18 months and two years. Note that larger organisations will offer ongoing training throughout your retail career. In addition to this, you will be expected to develop your management skills on the job.

Opportunities

There are lots of opportunities in retail, particularly in larger organisations committed to delivering extensive staff training. With the right experience you can progress to an area or even regional manager. Annual income usually starts off between £14,000 and £20,000 a year. But can rise to £21,000 and £28,000 with experience. Senior management can earn £40,000 a year or more.