What does a retail manager do?
Retail managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of a shop. This could include dealing with everything from staff wages, to buying stock for the store and deciding where things should be displayed, to setting sales targets and motivating the team to meet them. You will often be leading large teams of people so good people management and communications skills are essential.
What do I need to do to become a retail manager?
You can become a retail manager via a number of different routes. You could begin working in a shop as a sales assistant and seek promotion, you could work in another management sector and move into retail, or you could take part in a graduate management scheme (for which you will need a degree).
A levels in business and law are relevant, but not essential. To get on to a degree course, you usually need at least two A levels or equivalent. You also need five GCSEs A-C, including maths and English.
A level 3 vocational course in business would also be relevant, but not essential. Alternatively, you may be able to start work as a retail assistant through an apprenticeship scheme and work your way up from there.
Academic route
- A levels in business and law are relevant, but not essential
Vocational route
- A level 3 vocational course in business is relevant, but not essential
- Apprenticeship
Desirable qualifications
- Undergraduate degree
Where could I be working?
Work is usually indoors, and you could be based anywhere from a small shop to a large supermarket or department store. You could be working with a variety of types of stock from food to luxury goods.