Job Description
Shop Managers or Retail Managers are responsible for all aspects of running the store to increase efficiency and profitability. They are required to deal with human resources issues (such as preparing staff rotas and running appraisals and interviews), marketing, logistics, IT, customer services (either face to face or via telephone / email), as well finance. They normally report to the Area Manager for larger chain organisations.
Essentially it is their job to ensure that all the resources of the store (human or otherwise) work together well for the benefit of the owners and to the satisfaction of customers.
The role can apply to almost any physical commercial product or service, meaning you could work in shops retailing fashion items, music games and dvds, hardware, computing and mobile technologies, food, books - the list is almost endless.
Entry Requirements
You could get into this job in a number of different ways, such as:
- A graduate trainee management scheme
- A management apprenticeship scheme
- Promotion from within a retail department
University
You could do a degree before applying to join a graduate management training scheme, relevant degrees include:
- Business retail management
- Retail marketing
You will usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels or equivalent for your degree course
Apprenticeship
You could do a retail management or retail leadership higher or degree apprenticeship
You will usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels or equivalent
Work based route
You may be able to start as a sales assistant and work you way up to management.
Career Path and Progression
With experience you could progress into area or regional management.
You could also move into more specialist areas, like customer service, training and operations management.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Builders' merchant
- Dispensing optician
- Franchise owner
- Retail merchandiser
- Sales assistant
Required Skills
You'll need:
- the ability to make decisions
- good interpersonal and leadership skills
- the ability to motivate others
- to be able to work under pressure to meet targets
- to be creative
- to be organised
- good IT skills
- a shrewd business sense
- very good customer service skills
- good negotiation skills
Salary Range
£20,000 to £70,000
