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Job description: FMCG
The scope of FMCG - fast moving consumer goods - in retail is very broad, and includes everything from toiletries and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and electronics.
Therefore, the choice and variety of jobs on offer in the industry is also very great. You can work at every level from area and store manager level right through to sales assistant, as well as specialist areas such as buyer and stock control.
In addition, you could work for any size of organisation, from a well known high street chain to a small independent shop. You could work for a generalist store selling practically everything, or for a specialist retailer.
You should check out individual job profiles for the details, but common responsibilities are likely to include: dealing with customers and selling goods, handling payments, making sure that the goods are attractively displayed, offering advice and answering questions, managing stock availability, helping with special promotions, ordering stock and overseeing delivery.
Your responsibilities increase and change the higher up the scale you go.
As a store manager, for example, you'd concern yourself with managing and motivating staff, making sure that your store or department meets sales targets, managing stock levels, analysing sales figures and forecasting future sales and dealing with takings.
In contrast, as a sales assistant, you would spend much more time on your feet serving customers and dealing with enquiries.
In smaller shops, say a local convenience store, your day-to-day jobs will be more varied than a large High Street outlet, and may include activities such as window display and receiving deliveries.
Hours and Environment
You usually work store opening hours, which is around a 37 or 38 hour week. This is likely to include evenings and weekends, and you may work shifts.
As a sales assistant, you'll spend a lot of time on your feet, and may wear a uniform. Managers are mostly office-based, but will still spend time on the shop floor.
Generally, it's a dynamic industry with large quantities of goods sold frequently, so be prepared for a fast and occasionally furious pace.
Skills and Interests
Again, these vary with your role. However, general qualities you'll need in FMCG retail include:
- The ability to work as part of a team
- Good communication and 'people' skills
- A strong commitment to customer service and helping people
- The ability to work under pressure and handle challenging situations
- Confidence, drive and enthusiasm
- Decision-making ability and a sense of responsibility
- A keen interest in the sector you work, especially if it's a specialist area like electronics
Entry
You don't need specific qualifications for FMCG retailing, although a keen interest and enthusiasm for the subject is a real advantage, especially if it's a specialist area. You will also need to be competent in maths and IT.
FMCG experience is usually required for more senior roles, although other retail experience may be considered. It's usual to be promoted to supervisor or manager after you've gained experience as a sales assistant with the same company.
You could also join a large 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 FMCG retailing 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 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 skills on the job.
Opportunities
With outlets the length and breadth of the country, in big cities and small villages, FMCG retailing offers a multitude of opportunities.
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.
Moving employers is always an option as skills are transferable, while you could also move into another area of retailing altogether.
You also have the opportunity to open your own outlet.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
- Sales assistants are likely to earn around £12,000 - £15,000
- Assistant managers earn around £17.5-£25k
- Store managers typically earn around £40,000 - £45,000, but can earn up to £70,000
You may also earn extra bonuses and commission for meeting sales targets.
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