You'll be the pivotal player in the smooth running of the shop, making it as effective and efficient as possible, while ensuring profits flow.
Who can I work for?
Every store needs a manager. And with one in nine UK workers in retail, such opportunities are rife.
Where and when can I work?
You'll spend most of your time on the shop floor and some of it in the office. A typical shift should last eight hours, many starting at 7am to deal with early deliveries, some ending later for stocking up, cashing up and locking up. You'll generally work 35-40 hours over five days a week, working two weekends a month. During busy periods such as Christmas or January sales you may be required to work seven days on the spin.
What can I earn?
In exceptional circumstances, large chain senior store managers can earn up to £40K. But £21,000-£28,000 is nearer the norm, with £14-£20K for starters.
What are the benefits?
Success-related commission and bonuses. Staff discounts.
Are there chances of promotion?
Becoming area or regional manager – liaising between store managers and chain HQs – is the logical next step up. If in retail you may become a buyer.
What will I be responsible for?
+ Managing a very competitive sales market, thus being aware and reacting to all the current trends within it. Maintaining good relationships with customers and staff on the shop floor are integral to this.
+ You'll be responsible for all staff, including their hiring, training and discipline.
+ You'll motivate and refresh your team constantly.
+ You'll find out from company HQ which themes, details and promotions driving new sales campaigns. You'll pass this onto staff and oversee this, especially at Point Of Sale.
+ You'll deal with all the money side of the store – including banking. You'll be the team statto, finding out the current sales figures and trends, and, based upon these, predicting future profits and setting ambitious but realistic targets.
+ Security.
+ You'll be the last resort on complaints when all other methods have not resolved matters.
What qualifications do I need?
Many chain stores have management training schemes that usually require you to be qualified to BTEC National Diploma level 3 or to have A-levels. The BTECs usually last up to two years or can even provide ongoing training throughout your early career. Topics will include how to market promotions, the importance of shop layout, seasonal selling and computer training, including the use of software such as Excel or 'in-house' systems. Other companies might provide in-house training or offer national qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Sales or Level 2 in Retail Skills. The shop assistant through to assistant manager route is usually the most preferred. For this you will need good GCSEs in Maths, English and IT.
Do I need any experience?
See above. This route gives you shop experience plus an insight into the everyday challenges a manager faces. Managerial positions in offices or restaurants can be useful, providing you show the aptitude to acquire knowledge of the products being sold in store. If you have no in-store working experience, foundation courses or HNDs in marketing, retial management or business should be an advantage.
What attributes are needed?
You'll have organisational skills that wouldn't be fazed with overseeing Noah's Ark Mark 2. Physical fitness – you'll probably on your feet for most of the day. You'll have great communication and motivational abilities.