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Job description: Retail Manager
As a retail manager, you're responsible for running a retail outlet. This could mean anything from a large supermarket to a small independent shop. It could also be just one section or the entire store.
Your day-to-day work will depend on what your store sells to some extent. There's also the factor whether or not it is part of a chain. However, your typical duties will include: 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.
Apart from these specific tasks, you will be expected to continually look for ways to increase sales and improve efficiency. You'll need to be aware of what your competitors are up to, as well as market trends and customer expectations. Customer related issues will also be your concern, from ensuring standards for quality, customer service and health and safety to handling complaints and queries. At times, you may need to even serve them as well.
Anything else? You'll also be involved in recruiting and training new staff. Not to mention organising special promotions, displays and events.
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 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 a sense of responsibility
- The ability to understand and analyse sales figures
- Sound business sense
- An understanding of retail laws, security and health and safety.
Entry
To become a 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 to supervisor or manager 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 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 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
More good news. Promotion prospects in retailing can be excellent, particularly in larger organisations committed to staff training.
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
You should be prepared to move companies, though. You also have the prospect of working for yourself and opening your own outlet, once you have some experience.
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 £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.
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