what is a store manager?
A store manager is in charge of the daily operations of a store, from customer service management to oversight of various operations. As a store manager, you oversee the store and ensure all the departments run properly. For instance, you manage stocks and make sure the store doesn't run out of supplies.
As a store manager, you ensure the store operations aren't interrupted due to a lack of employees. Therefore, you are involved in hiring and training new workers. You handle customer complaints and the return of products. When problems arise, you resolve them to maintain the reputation of the retail outlet.
Since your main responsibility is to boost sales and maximise the store's profitability, you approve and implement marketing strategies. It is crucial to ensure all products are displayed and promoted effectively to boost sales. You also develop promotional strategies to attract customers to the store.
As a store manager, you can work in various retail settings, such as supermarkets or convenience stores. The role requires excellent sales and customer service skills to encourage return customers. Store managers usually report to a general manager, who may be situated in a different location if the store has multiple outlets managed from one location.
Would working as a store manager suit your commercial awareness and customer service skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a store manager role.
store manager jobsaverage salary of a store manager
According to National Careers, a retail manager takes home a compensation package of £20,000 per year in entry-level positions. However, experienced store managers in charge of larger chain stores or supermarkets can take home a salary of up to £60,000 per year. Most retail managers work long hours, and the employer provides overtime pay for additional hours or gives an annual bonus to employees. Some companies also include private medical insurance and transport allowances as part of the compensation package.
factors affecting store manager's salary
Your earnings vary for diverse reasons, from your responsibilities to qualifications. For instance, a store manager in charge of a convenience store earns less than store managers supervising supermarkets or chain stores. The duties in larger stores require additional experience and skills to ensure profitability. Work experience in a similar capacity also determines your salary. You have minimal transferable skills when new to the field, significantly lowering your salary prospects. When you have held the position for some years, you have the necessary experience to steer the store in the right direction and can negotiate a higher salary.
types of store managers
There are many store manager roles to explore, typically categorised by the places you work. Some types of store managers include:
- clothing store manager: as a clothing store manager, you plan the displays and deal with customers directly. You also run seasonal sales events to increase sales and maximise profits for the store.
- convenience store manager: as a convenience store manager, you run a store with convenience goods that people can quickly purchase on the go. You do merchandising and perform routine inventory tasks.
- drugstore manager: the role involves selling various health and wellness products like first aid kits, prescription drugs and beauty products. You manage the daily store operations and work closely with pharmaceutical companies to ensure quality control of medicines and convenience products.
working as a store manager
Many companies rely on store managers to make a profit. Your job focuses on increasing sales to meet the set targets while following company merchandising and marketing policies. Let's explore store managers' duties, work schedules and career outlook.
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store manager job description
Some of the specific tasks of a store manager include:
- ensuring the store meets targets and earns profits: a store manager's job is to ensure that monthly, quarterly and yearly sales goals are met. As a store manager, you offer sales promotions and encourage store employees to work harder by introducing incentives like employee contests. Holding marketing campaigns may also help reach sales goals.
- maintaining the image of the store: as a store manager, you ensure the products are correctly displayed to attract the customers' attention. You ensure the store lives up to the predefined brand image. For instance, you ensure the store is clean, and the racks and shelves are properly stocked. You also introduce seasonal products to match the latest trends in the market.
- managing the store's assets: as a store manager, the safety and security of the store is your responsibility. While the staff should create a pleasant shopping environment, it should also be safe. Store managers create security policies and report breaches to keep the business premises safe. Managing the assets also involves monitoring stocks to ensure customers have what they need.
- delegating and assigning tasks: as a store manager, you are in charge of many subordinates. You are responsible for defining the roles and duties of each worker. You collaborate with assistant store managers, shift managers or supervisors and department managers.
- hiring and training employees: as a store manager, you ensure the store has enough employees to operate effectively. That means you participate in the hiring process by sourcing qualified candidates. You also train the workers to perform their retail store duties.
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work environment
As a store manager, you work in various shops, such as supermarkets or stores specialising in specific items. You have an office inside the store, from where you perform the majority of your responsibilities. However, you spend more time on the retail floor supervising your employees. Your working environment is sometimes very busy and loud, especially during peak periods. The store manager's role involves minimal travelling since they are responsible for a single store.
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who are your colleagues?
The colleagues of a store manager include assistant store managers, sales associate position, dispatcher roles, retail associates and inventory controllers. You are also likely to work closely with cashiers, sales executives and other specialists, including franchise owners, retail merchandisers and sales assistants.
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work schedule
Store managers usually have long and irregular working periods, with most clocking in up to 42 hours a week. You should be at work during opening hours. That means you work on public holidays, weekends and sometimes at night. If you run a 24-hour store, you are likely to work in shifts. You should also expect to work for long hours during the store's busy periods.
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job outlook
Many consider the store manager position the highest on the retail career ladder. Therefore, when working in this role, you may decide to remain in that position for a long time. However, if you want to try something more challenging, there are related careers to pursue. These include becoming a supervisor of sales or warehouse staff or those working in the store's administrative sector. You could also consider becoming a regional sales manager.
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advantages of finding a store manager job through randstad
Finding your store manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a store manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
store manager education and skills
Becoming a store manager requires the following educational qualifications:
- university: you can pursue a degree course to join the store manager role. While most undergraduate degrees are acceptable, you can boost your chances with a degree in retail marketing and business retail management. When you complete the undergraduate course, consider management training skills to boost your expertise.
- college and apprenticeship: a diploma course in retail can get you started in the role since you gain knowledge of running a store. Some relevant courses include Level 3 or 4 Diploma in retail management.
store manager skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a store manager include:
- leadership skills: a store manager should possess leadership skills to motivate employees to complete their assigned duties and carry out projects successfully. Some of the leadership skills that are required include creativity and problem-solving skills.
- psychological skills: psychological skills are crucial for store managers. This role requires confidence and the ability to maintain a productive mindset. It is important to set goals and work hard towards achieving them.
- organisational skills: as a store manager, you rely on organisational skills to keep the store operations running smoothly. When you are organised, you can juggle the many aspects of your job, such as customer communication, inventory and recruiting workers.
- problem-solving skills: as a store manager, problem-solving skills help you handle various workplace issues. You use problem-solving skills to identify the most effective solutions.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a store manager
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what are a store manager's duties?
Store managers are responsible for supervising the daily operations of retail stores. Their duties include developing effective business strategies and motivating employees. These professionals also undertake administrative tasks. Want to learn more about working as a store manager? Then check out this article.
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do store managers make good money?
Typically, store managers on the more experienced and highly skilled spectrum are likely to earn a higher salary. The store you choose to work in may also affect your earnings. Want to learn more about working as a store manager? Then check out this article.
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what are the skills of a store manager?
As a store manager, you require budgeting, marketing and leadership skills. You should also possess accounting and retail management skills. Problem-solving ability and a good grasp of group dynamics are also very important since things may not go as planned all the time. Want to learn more about working as a store manager? Then check out this article.
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is the store manager a good job?
Although carrying out the duties of a store manager seems daunting at times, it is a great position. You enjoy various benefits, including the ability to hire people and set goals for employees. You also have flexibility in your workload. Want to learn more about working as a store manager? Then check out this article.
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how can I be a good store manager?
To be a good store manager, focus on set goals and learn to take the lead all the time. You should also be ready to embrace new technology and save time. Want to learn more about working as a store manager? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a store manager vacancy?
Applying for a store manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
