Retail Sales Manager

Retail managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of department stores, chain stores, supermarkets and independent shops.
They look after staff management, including taking on and training new staff, maintaining a good standard of customer care and increasing sales and profitability.
In large stores, there may be more than one manager, each responsible for a specific department.
Managers usually work around 35 hours a week, within the opening hours of the shop or store. This includes weekend work and often late night openings during the week. The environment is busy and often noisy, and the work involves standing, walking, bending and stretching.

Salaries range from around £12,500 for new retail managers, up to around £65,000 for managers of large stores.

A retail manager should:

know the company's products and procedures and relevant legislation
be committed to a high level of customer service
be confident, quick-thinking and able to lead and motivate a team
have excellent spoken and written communication skills
be able to take responsibility and make decisions
enjoy working in a busy, lively environment.
Nearly three million people work in retail jobs across the UK, so there are good opportunities for finding work. There are jobs for retail managers with national and international companies, and independent retailers of all sizes.

There are no set academic requirements to work in retail, but GCSEs/S grades may be expected, and A levels/H grades are also useful. Various useful specific qualifications are on offer, including national awards, foundation degrees and degrees. Apprenticeships may be available to start work in retail - many people start as sales assistants and work up through training and promotion. There is no upper age limit for entry, and mature applicants with relevant experience are welcomed.

Larger retail businesses have their own training schemes, including graduate trainee management schemes. Managers can study while working for retail qualifications such as NVQs/SVQs in retail operations, and BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Retail Management.

There may be opportunities for promotion in larger businesses to senior manager, area manager or a head office management position, though this may mean moving to a different location. Experienced and enthusiastic managers in independent shops and stores may be able to progress to similar positions in larger businesses.