Retail manager

store manager
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Retail and customer services
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Career outlook for retail manager

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£20,000

Experienced

£60,000


Currently employed in Scotland

20,800

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would manage a retail store to ensure high sales and happy customers and staff. It would be your responsibility to make sure your store makes a profit and the members of your team are satisfied with their jobs. 

Tasks vary, but usually you would:

  • Motivate your team to increase sales
  • Hire and train staff
  • Use a computer to order stock
  • Organise sales promotions and events
  • Serve customers
  • Deal with customer queries, complaints and feedback
  • Study sales figures and predict future sales
  • Follow market trends and competitors
  • Control budgets
  • Give reports to senior company executives

You would have to understand retail laws, security guidelines and health and safety rules and make sure your staff follow them. 

Working conditions

Hours

In a full-time job you would normally work between 37 and 40 hours a week. Part-time work is often available. Your hours are likely to include weekends and possibly evenings, depending on the store's opening times.

Environment

You would divide your time between the sales area and your office in the store.

UK employment status

Full-time

77%

Part-time

10%

Self employed

14%

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  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Problem solving
  • Developing a plan
  • Managing resources
  • Delegating
  • Making decisions
  • Motivating others
  • Taking responsibility

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

There is no single entry route to this profession.

Many employers look for Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or Degree (SCQF level 9/10) in areas such as retail or business management.

You can enter a Higher National Diploma in Retail Management (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

To enter a degree in Retail Management or Marketing (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at B or above or a relevant HNC/HND. 

Employers also value relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Retail (SVQ level 2/3).

Useful subjects

  • English (required by most employers)
  • Maths (required by most employers) 
  • Social studies, such as psychology
  • Administrative subjects
  • ICT subjects
  • Business subjects such as business management

Relevant design subjects such as fashion and textile technology or design and manufacture may also be of value.

You will also need

  • Previous sales experience, product knowledge is often essential
  • The ability to meet targets is often essential

You will need a driving licence for some jobs.

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience in customer services and sales such as Skills for Work Retailing (SCFQ level 5) may also be of value when applying to courses or entry level sales jobs.

Once in a job you can work towards relevant qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Retail: Management (SVQ level 3) or Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) management qualifications.