Find up to date salary information for jobs by country, and compare with national average, city average, and other job positions.

Retail Manager Job Description

Job Title: Retail Manager

Overview/Summary of the role:
A Retail Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and managing the sales team of a retail setting. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies that will drive sales and customer satisfaction. A retail manager also ensures that the store meets its sales goals, maintains a positive reputation, and provides customers with exceptional service.

Responsibilities and Duties:
• Developing and leading a high-performing sales team
• Creating and executing sales and marketing strategies based on customer needs and industry standards
• Ensuring that the store meets or exceeds its monthly and annual sales targets
• Conducting regular performance evaluations of staff and providing ongoing coaching and feedback
• Collaborating with other department managers to maximize productivity and profitability
• Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction through exceptional service and experience
• Ensuring that the store is always well-stocked and well-presented
• Handling customer complaints and resolving issues promptly
• Managing store inventory and ordering products as needed
• Ensuring that safety protocols and standards are being adhered to at all times
• Managing expenses and ensuring that the store is operating within budget
• Creating and implementing policies and procedures that will improve store operations

Qualifications and Skills:

Hard skills:
• Strong sales acumen and experience in driving sales growth
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with Point of Sale systems and inventory management software
• Experience in budgeting and managing expenses
• Proficient in developing and executing marketing campaigns
• Solid understanding of customer service practices and strategies

Soft skills:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Passionate about customer satisfaction and providing exceptional service

Education and Experience:

Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or relevant field
• At least 3-5 years of experience managing a retail store or team

Preferred:
• Master's degree in Business Administration or relevant field
• Experience working with luxury or high-end retail brands
• Experience with multi-store retail management.

Licensing (if applicable):
Depending on the state and the nature of the retail store, a retail manager may be required to obtain certain licenses or certifications. For example, if the store sells alcohol or tobacco products, the manager may need to obtain a license to sell these products legally. In some states, retail managers may also need to obtain a license to sell firearms. Additionally, some employers may require retail managers to have a bachelor's degree in business or a related field.

Typical Employers:
Retail managers may work for a variety of employers, such as department stores, specialty stores, supermarkets, and other retail establishments. They may also work for online retailers. Retail chains and large retail stores often hire multiple retail managers to oversee different departments within the store. Some retail managers may also be self-employed and operate their own small retail businesses.

Work Environment:
Retail managers typically work in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment. They may spend much of their time on their feet, interacting with customers and employees. Depending on the store's hours of operation, a retail manager's schedule may include nights and weekends. Typically, retail managers work full-time, although part-time opportunities are also available.

Career Pathways (both leading to this position and next positions):
Many retail managers start their careers in entry-level retail positions, such as sales associates or cashiers, and work their way up through promotions or internal transfers. Others enter the retail industry through a management training program or by earning a degree in business or a related field. The career path for a retail manager may include opportunities to advance within the same company or move to similar positions at other retail companies. Some retail managers may also transition to related fields, such as marketing, merchandising, or supply chain management.

Job Growth Trend (USA and Global):
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of retail sales workers and supervisors - including retail managers - is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is slower than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to increased online shopping and the use of automation and self-service technology in retail stores. However, retail managers with strong leadership and customer service skills can still find opportunities in the industry. The job growth trend for retail managers may vary by location and type of retail establishment.

Career Satisfaction: As a Retail Manager, job satisfaction largely depends on factors such as the company, the team, the location, and the compensation package. However, most Retail Managers enjoy the excitement of driving sales, leading a team, and meeting targets. According to PayScale, the overall job satisfaction of Retail Managers in the USA is 3.7 out of 5.

Related Job Positions: Related job positions to Retail Manager include Store Manager, Operations Manager, Area Manager, District Manager, and General Manager.

Connected People: Retail Managers interact with a variety of people including customers, store employees, upper management, suppliers, and vendors.

Average Salary: The average salary for Retail Managers varies by location. According to Glassdoor, as of 2021, the average yearly salary for a Retail Manager in the USA is $48,909. In the UK, the average salary is £28,500 per year. In Germany, the average salary is €42,602 per year. In India, the average salary is ₹407,138 per year. In Brazil, the average salary is R$62,849 per year.

Benefits Package: The benefits package for a Retail Manager often includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, employee discounts, and bonuses. Some companies may also offer tuition reimbursement, gym memberships, or other perks.

Schedule and Hours Required: The schedule and hours required for a Retail Manager may vary depending on the company and location. Most Retail Managers work full-time, which can include evenings, weekends, and holidays. During peak shopping seasons, such as the holidays, Retail Managers may be required to work longer hours.

Level of Autonomy:

As a Retail Manager, you will have a high level of autonomy in decision-making and day-to-day operations. You will be responsible for managing and leading a team of individuals, creating and executing business strategies, monitoring and controlling inventory levels, and monitoring sales performance.

Opportunities for Professional Development and Advancement:

As a Retail Manager, you will have a wide range of opportunities for professional development and advancement. You can advance to higher-level managerial positions, such as District Manager or Regional Manager. You can also take advantage of training programs offered by your company or industry associations to improve your skills and knowledge.

Specialized Skills or Knowledge Required:

To be a successful Retail Manager, you need to have strong leadership skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a deep understanding of business and retail operations. You should also have a keen eye for detail, be highly organized, and possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands:

Working as a Retail Manager can be physically demanding, as you will need to be on your feet for extended periods and perform physical tasks such as moving and lifting boxes and merchandise.

Tools and Technologies Used:

As a Retail Manager, you will use a variety of tools and technologies to manage and optimize store operations. This may include inventory management software, point-of-sale systems, employee scheduling software, and customer relationship management tools. You should also have a deep understanding of digital marketing and e-commerce platforms, as retailers increasingly rely on these channels to drive revenue and growth.

Work Style:
Retail managers must be extremely organized, detail-oriented, and have excellent time management skills to be successful in this role. They must be able to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously while remaining calm under pressure. A proactive and strategic mindset is also essential to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

Working Conditions:
Retail managers typically work in fast-paced, customer-facing environments, such as stores or shopping centers. The hours can be irregular, with early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays being commonplace. Due to the nature of the role, retail managers should expect to be on their feet for extended periods and handle physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and stocking.

Team Size and Structure:
Retail managers are responsible for overseeing and managing a team of employees. The size of the team will vary depending on the size of the store and the company. In smaller stores, the team can consist of just a handful of employees, while larger stores can have over 50 employees.

Collaboration and Communication Requirements:
Retail managers must be excellent communicators who can effectively delegate tasks, explain expectations and ensure that all team members understand company policies and procedures. They must also be comfortable working collaboratively with other departments, such as marketing, finance, and purchasing, to ensure that the store is stocked with the right products and operating efficiently.

Cultural Fit and Company Values:
Retail managers must fit well into the company culture and share the company's values. These may include a strong focus on customer service, teamwork, honesty, and integrity. They must be able to lead by example and set expectations for their team members to follow. They should also have a strong desire to continuously develop their leadership and management skills to help the store and their team achieve their goals.