Retail store managers are responsible for the running of retail outlets ranging from large supermarkets to small independent stores. Some managers are responsible for the overall business success of a store, others will run departments or have responsibility for an area such as the checkout area in a supermarket.

The work will normally involve:

• dealing with customer service issues such as queries and complaints
• meeting sales targets and increasing profits
• managing health and safety and security issues
• interviewing and recruiting new staff
• supervising departmental managers
• organising staff training.

Store managers also oversee stock control, ensuring the quality of stock is of the right standard and that supplies are re-ordered in time. In a larger stores retail managers will control stock using a computerised system called an 'electronic point of sale' system (EPOS for short).

Hours and Environment

As a retail store manager you will normally work 38 to 40 hours a week, including evenings and weekends. Your work will be mainly office-based, but you will be expected to spend much of your time on the shop floor.

Skills and Interests

To be a store manager you should:

• be a good team leader with lots of self-motivation
• be able to communicate clearly with a variety of people at all levels
• be committed to the needs of the customer
• have strong decision making skills
• be willing to take on responsibility
• have the ability to understand relevant laws
• be comfortable with the use of information technology.

Entry

No specific entry qualifications are required to be a retail store manager, although you will need to be competent in maths and IT.

Many store managers are promoted internally after having gained experience as a sales assistant (see the Sales Assistant profile for more details). You may also be at an advantage if you have management experience from other sectors.

You may be able to join a large retail chain on a management training scheme. These normally require two A levels/H grades or equivalent qualifications.

A degree in retail, business or a marketing-related subject would also be an advantage when looking for work. You can take a retail degree as a ‘sandwich course’, with the option of a year on placement in industry. This kind of degree gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience. See Foundation Degree Forward and Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for more information and entry requirements. 

Training

Once you are working as a retail store manager, you may be offered competency-based training linked to relevant NVQs/SVQs such as Retail Operations at levels 2 and 3. You will also be expected to develop your management skills on the job. 

Structured graduate management training schemes usually last around 18 months to two years. Larger organisations will offer a programme of ongoing training for continuing professional development (CPD).

Opportunities

The retail sector accounts for more than 10% of all jobs in England. Over three million people in the UK work in retailing and Tesco is the largest employer. Retail is not just about supermarkets – the sector covers food and drink, DIY health and beauty, electrical, clothing, books and stationery and increasingly online.

You will find many retail jobs are advertised:

• on specialist recruitment websites such as www.inretail.co.uk, www.retailcareers.co.uk and www.jobsinretail.co.uk
• in local newspapers
• in national newspapers.

Some of the UK's largest retailers (Tesco, Marks & Spencer, B&Q, Asda and Sainsbury’s) have signed a deal to provide jobs for the long-term unemployed.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries for trainee store managers are usually between£14,000 and £20,000 a year, depending on qualifications and experience. 
An experienced retail store manager may earn in the range of  £21,000 to £25,000 a year.
Some senior store managers earn in excess of £40,000 a year.

Salaries are often linked to achieving targets and may be supplemented by bonuses.

Further information

40 Duke Street
London
W1A 1AB
Tel: 0800 093 5001