Store manager: Career advice, job description and more

Are you interested in working in the retail industry? If you have good leadership skills, becoming a store manager might be the right career for you. You’ll perform a variety of tasks every day and have the opportunity to interact with lots of people. Visit Job Mail and discover exciting positions in the retail sector.

Job overview

A store manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of retail stores. They ensure that the staff, including cashiers and sales personnel, carry out their jobs efficiently so that everything in the shop runs smoothly. An important aspect of this role is achieving outstanding customer satisfaction. The duties of a store manager include:

• Preparing yearly budgets and managing expenses to ensure maximum profits are achieved
• Upholding health and safety standards
• Hiring and training staff
• Overseeing inventory by creating and using purchasing plans
• Communicating with suppliers
• Developing and implementing promotions with the aim of increasing sales
• Completing store administration tasks
• Handling customer complaints

Employment opportunities

There are moderate employment opportunities for store managers. It’s advisable to research the career of a store manager to get insight into what it takes to be successful in this industry. If you understand how other people landed this position, you’ll have a better chance of finding employment yourself.

If you’re already working in the retail industry, consider asking someone in a senior-level position to be your mentor. Employment opportunities are available in both small and large retail companies. Vacancies can also be found in hotels and airports. This career comes with a moderate earning potential. Larger retail outlets typically offer higher salaries and, in some cases, you’ll be eligible for a bonus if you reach your sales targets.

Work environment

As a store manager, you’ll usually spend part of your day in an office and on the shop floor. The wide range of responsibilities keeps your job interesting. Store managers can expect to work 40 hours a week and shifts outside of regular business hours are usually required.

You may be required to work on some weekends, evenings, and public holidays. While a career as a store manager has its downsides, you’ll also enjoy numerous benefits. Depending on where you work, you may find yourself benefiting from great discounts on products and services.

Skills and attributes

If you’re an aspiring store manager, having experience in the retail industry is beneficial. The following skills and attributes will help you to get hired:

• Leadership skills
• Self-motivation
• Communication and interpersonal capabilities
• Enthusiasm
• Knowledge of business
• Problem-solving skills
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work under pressure
• Knowledge of sales and customer service
• Organisational capabilities
• Detail-orientated

Educational requirements

While you don’t need a degree to become a store manager, studying further can increase your chances of getting hired. A senior certificate is typically required for this position and it’s beneficial to take mathematics and business economics as school subjects. If you’re just starting out, you can get hired as a store assistant and work towards promotions that will land you a store manager role. Look out for on-the-job training and courses that can help your career to progress to a leadership role.

If you would like to study in this direction, here are some options to consider:

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field – You can study at most universities and tertiary education institutes.
• A business management course – Available at tertiary education institutes.
• Customer service-related courses – Available at tertiary institutes, such as colleges, but online as well.

Related careers

• Shop assistant
• Sales consultant
• Administrator
• Hotel manager
• Business consultant
• Office manager

Bonus career tip: Make sure that your CV is up to date and professional before you send it out to prospective employers. If you don’t have experience in the retail industry, consider volunteering at a charity shop. This experience will give your CV a boost while offering you the opportunity to develop relevant skills. Launching your career can be challenging and volunteer work could be the confidence boost that you need to get started.

Working as a store manager is an exciting job with plenty of benefits. Interested in this career? Visit the Job Mail website to find vacancies in the retail industry.