Retail Manager

Tasks & duties

Retail managers may do some or all of the following:

• oversee other staff, delegate duties to them and evaluate their performance
• organise staff rosters
• train new staff
• hire and dismiss or discipline staff
• order new stock and check it is in good condition and accurately invoiced when it arrives
• organise product promotions
• display and price stock
• help customers choose products
• advise on the use and care of products
• pack or wrap customer purchases
• collect payment from customers or arrange credit
• prepare invoices and sales dockets
• arrange the delivery of purchases
• arrange the payment to suppliers for goods
• banking and accounts
• participate in stocktakes

Skills & knowledge

Retail managers need to have:

• knowledge of management, sales techniques and the products sold in their shops
• an understanding of employment legislation
• leadership skills and the ability to delegate tasks and duties to other staff
• good communication, listening and customer-service skills 
• the ability to memorise stock and to think of creative ways to promote goods
• good organisational and computer skills

Entry requirements

Although there are no specific requirements for becoming a retail manager, experience in retail and selling is useful.

Secondary education

School Certificate or NCEA equivalent English and maths are useful for a retail manager.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Retail managers may attend company training courses, retail management courses or human resources management courses. On-the-job qualifications can be completed through the Retail Institute.

Useful experience

Experience in customer service, retail or the hospitality industry is useful.

Related courses

Business Management
Purchasing, Warehousing and Distribution
Sales

For more information, please refer to Career Services.