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Retail jobs brief - retail assistant manager
As an assistant manager in a retail outlet, which could be anything from a large supermarket to a small independent shop, you will be required to provide support to the manager and also focus and direction for your team.
Your duties will vary depending on the size and nature of the organisation you work for. However, it's likely your role will involve:
- Applying commercial skills to meet sales and cost budgets.
- Recruiting, developing and retaining staff.
- Ensuring your team deliver good customer service.
- Meeting operational expectations by implementing and maintaining high retail standards.
- Motivating staff
- Dealing with enquiries and complaints
- Serving customers
- Effective store merchandising
- Helping organise promotions
- Managing deliveries from suppliers
Hours and Environment
You would normally work between 35 and 40 hours a week, which is likely to include weekends and possibly evenings, depending on your store's opening hours.
You will probably have an office base in the store, but will spend much of your time on the shop floor.
Skills and Interests
You'll need a range of skills, notably:
- The ability to work as part of a team
- The ability to lead and motivate when necessary
- 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 a sense of responsibility
Entry
To become an assistant retail manager, you don't normally need specific qualifications although you will need to be competent in maths and IT. It's usual to be promoted after you've gained experience as a sales assistant with the same company. However, you may be at an advantage if you have management experience from another industry.
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).
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 skills employers need.
For more information, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
When looking for work, a foundation degree, BTEC HNC or degree in retail management, business or marketing can help.
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 look for courses.
Training
When you're working for a large retail chain, you are likely to 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 a programme of ongoing training throughout your retail career.
In addition to this,you will be expected to develop your management skills on the job.
Opportunities
The retail sector employs around three million people, or 11% of the UK's workforce, with outlets across the length and breadth of the country. With experience, you can progress to area or regional manager if you work for a retail chain.
You'll find jobs advertised in both the local and national press, at Jobcentre Plus, on employers' own websites, in-store and on specialist recruitment websites.
Annual Income
This annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
- Starting salaries are usually between £14,000 and £20,000 a year.
- With experience, typical earnings can rise to between £21,000 and £25,000.
- Some senior store managers can earn £40,000 a year or more.
You may also earn extra bonuses and commission for meeting sales targets.
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