what is a retail manager?

A retail manager is in charge of the daily operations of a store, from customer service management to oversight of various procedures. As a retail manager, you oversee the store and ensure all the departments run correctly. For instance, you manage stocks and make sure the store has enough supplies.

You are involved in hiring and training new workers to ensure the store operations are continued due to a need for more employees. 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 primary responsibility is to boost sales and maximise the store's profitability, you approve and implement marketing strategies. Ensuring all products are displayed and promoted effectively to increase sales is crucial. You also develop promotional strategies to attract customers to the store.

As a retail 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. Retail managers usually report to a general manager, who may be situated in a different location if the store has multiple centrally managed outlets.

view opportunities
1

average analyst salary

The average remuneration of a retail manager in New Zealand is $53,500 per year. As a retail manager, your starting remuneration package is $47,000 annually, while the highest salaries exceed $60,000 annually. 

factors that affect your earnings as a retail manager

Your remuneration varies depending on various factors. For instance, when you work for a well-established company, you are likely to earn a higher salary since they can afford a higher remuneration. A new independent business may need more funds to pay higher wages.

Your location also influences your earnings. For instance, metro areas usually pay more compared to smaller cities. The difference in remuneration is due to the higher cost of living in metro areas. Your academic background and work experience also determine your earnings. Companies are willing to pay more for the experience you bring to the role.

view careers
2

types of retail managers

There are many retail manager roles to explore, typically categorised by your workplace. Some types of retail managers include:

  • clothing retail manager: as a clothing retail manager, you plan the displays and deal with customers directly. You also run seasonal sale events to increase sales and maximise profits for the store.
  • convenience retail manager: as a convenience retail manager, you run a store with convenience goods that people can quickly purchase on the go. You do merchandising and perform routine inventory tasks.
  • pharmacy 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 health products.
3

working as a retail manager

As a retail manager, your job is to run the operations of a retail store. Check out the duties, responsibilities and work environments of a retail manager.

Female smiling and looking away
Female smiling and looking away
4

retail manager education and skills

There are no specific requirements to become a retail manager. However, you generally need business management skills or experience in retail work.

Most retail managers gain experience in retail sales assistant roles before moving into management positions, and many retail stores have their own in-house management training programmes.

Retail managers can also complete a formal qualification, such as a business management course or the New Zealand Certificate in Retail (Level 3 or 4).

skills and competencies

A retail manager requires the following skills to excel in the role:

  • administrative skills: as a retail manager, your job involves keeping essential business records like bank statements and daily intake figures. You require organisational skills to manage payroll and create employee rosters.
  • leadership skills: as a retail manager, you oversee the store's operations. That includes managing store assistants, supervisors and customer service assistants. You use your leadership skills to delegate tasks and manage operations. With your leadership skills, you can motivate other employees to improve productivity. As a good leader, you positively influence your team to optimise their productivity.
  • communication and interpersonal skills: as a retail manager, you communicate with a range of employees and customers daily. You need excellent verbal communication skills to assist customers or provide instructions to employees. Your communication skills ensure your store maintains a good reputation and team members are productive.
  • customer service: a retail manager should provide the best customer service. You evaluate the best customer service strategies for your customers and train your staff to improve customer satisfaction. Good customer service increases customer retention and encourages people to return to the shop.
  • computer skills: store operations are managed through computer software. You require computing skills to track your stock and orders. You also use online messaging platforms to deliver rosters.
5

FAQs about working as a retail manager

Here are the most asked questions about working as a retail manager:

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.