Retail Manager
What is the work like?
As a retail manager you would be responsible for running a retail outlet – anything from a large supermarket to a small independent shop. In some jobs you could run one section of a store, in others you might be responsible for business in the entire store.
Some of your day-to-day work would depend on what your store sells and whether or not it is part of a chain, but your typical duties would include:
- managing and motivating staff
- making sure that your store or department meets sales targets
- looking for ways to increase sales and improve efficiency
- managing stock levels
- analysing sales figures and forecasting future sales
- dealing with takings
- recruiting and training new staff
- being aware of competitors, market trends and customer expectations
- ensuring standards for quality, customer service and health and safety are met
- handling any customer complaints or queries
- organising special promotions, displays and events.
You might also need to serve customers when required.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a retail manager you do not usually need specific qualifications, although you will need to be competent in maths and IT. It is most common to be promoted to supervisor or manager in-house after you have gained experience as a sales assistant. You may also be at an advantage if you have management experience from another industry.
You may be able to get into the retail industry through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
You could also join a large retail chain directly as a trainee manager, through a management training scheme. Most companies will ask you to be qualified to at least level 3 (for example, with A levels or an equivalent such as a BTEC National Diploma) to join a management training scheme.
When you are looking for work, you may have an advantage with a foundation degree, BTEC HNC or degree in retail management, business or marketing. Many retail degrees are ‘sandwich courses’, which include a year's work placement to give you hands-on experience. Visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service website to search for courses.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a retail manager, you may be offered some in-house training if you work for a retail chain. You will also be expected to develop your management skills on the job.
Your training may 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. Larger organisations will offer a programme of ongoing training throughout your retail career.
Where can I go for more information?
Fourth Floor93 Newman Street
London
W1T 3EZ
Tel: 0800 093 5001
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are usually between £14,000 and £20,000 a year.
- With experience, typical earnings can rise to between £21,000 and £28,000.
- Some senior store managers earn £40,000 a year or more.
You may also earn extra bonuses and commission for meeting sales targets.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In a full-time job you would normally work between 35 and 40 hours a week. Your hours are likely to include weekends and may include evenings, depending on your store's opening hours.
You would have an office base in the store, but you would spend much of your time on the shop floor.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to lead and motivate a team
- excellent communication and 'people' skills
- a strong commitment to customer service
- the ability to work under pressure and handle challenging situations
- confidence, drive and enthusiasm
- decision making ability and sense of responsibility
- the ability to understand and analyse sales figures
- good business sense
- an understanding of retail laws, security and health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
The retail sector employs around three million people, or 11% of the UK’s workforce.
With experience, you could progress to area or regional manager if you work for a retail chain.
Jobs may be advertised in the local and national press, Jobcentre Plus, on employers' own websites, in-store and on specialist recruitment websites.
You may find the following links useful for vacancies and further reading (links open new window):
InRetail
Jobs In Retail
Retail Careers
Retail Moves
Retail Week
British Retail Consortium
Talking Retail
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