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Job description: Retail Store Manager
As a store manager, you'll be responsible for the running and commercial performance of a retail outlet. This could be anything ranging from a large supermarket right through to a small, individually owned shop. You could be responsible for the overall running of the store, a single department or a specific area such as the checkout area in a supermarket.
Your main areas of work will involve reaching sales targets and increasing profits, dealing with customer service issues such as queries and complaints, plus health and safety and security issues. You will also be involved in staff management, including interviewing and recruiting, supervising departmental managers and organising training.
You will also oversee stock control, ensuring quality is of the right standard and that supplies are re-ordered in time. Note that larger stores now use computerised systems to streamline this process.
Hours and Environment
Generally, store managers work a 38 hour-week, including evenings and weekends. You'll be office-based, but will also be expected to spend a lot of your time on the shop floor. As you will be doing a lot of standing, you'll need a reasonable level of physical stamina as well.
Skills and Interests
To be a store manager you should be:
- A good team leader with plenty of self-motivation.
- Able to communicate clearly with a variety of people at all levels.
- Committed to the needs of the customer.
- Adaptable and a quick thinker prepared to make decisions.
- Willing to take on responsibility at an early stage of your career.
- At home in a fast-moving, pressurised environment.
- Knowledgeable of relevant laws.
- Comfortable with information technology.
Entry
There are several entry routes into store management. Many managers are promoted internally after gaining experience as a sales assistant. No specific entry qualifications are required, although a good general education is usually needed. Some retail chains run management training schemes requiring two A levels/H grades or equivalent qualifications. Certain large retailers offer a graduate apprenticeship scheme that leads to a BSc in Workbased Retail Management.
Some managers enter the profession after studying for a higher national certificate or diploma (HNC/HND) or a degree. Any subject may be accepted, although obviously retail, business and marketing-related subjects would be most appropriate. Entry to a HNC/HND requires four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus one A level/two Highers. Degrees require five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three Highers. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted.
For details of qualification equivalents see:
- Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
- Scottish Qualifications Authority
An Access to Higher Education qualification may be accepted for entry to certain courses. If you have experience in a related field, you may be able to gain recognition of your skills through Accredited Prior Learning (APL). Check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements. Many retail organisations also employ people with management experience in other sectors.
Training
Competency-based internal training may be offered, linked to relevant NVQs/SVQs such as Retail Operations at Levels 2 to 4. If you have an HNC/HND or a degree, management training schemes usually last around 12 to 18 months. Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available if you are aged 16-24.
For details see: MAPPs (England); Skillseekers MAPPs (Scotland); National Traineeships MAPPs (Wales); and MAPPs (Northern Ireland).
Opportunities
You should find opportunities to move into district or regional management, looking after a group of stores. However, for promotion to senior positions, be prepared to relocate. You may also have the opportunity to develop your career in other areas such as finance, human resources and buying.
Annual Income
Please note these figures are intended as a guideline only. Salaries are often linked to achieving targets and may be supplemented by bonuses.
- Starting salaries for trainee store managers are around £16,000 to £18,000 a year.
- With experience, your income may rise to between £21,000 and £25,000.
- Senior store managers may earn in excess of £40,000.
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