Placement Overview

This Retail Supervisor runs the main shop at Woburn. The store stocks gifts and other park related items. The supervisor works with the other staff to ensure there is always the right number of people available to serve customers. They also make sure stock levels are right and that the finances are taken care of.

Generic Job Description for a Retail Manager

A Retail Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of a shop, department store, or retail chain.

Their main responsibilities will cover staff management, managing stock levels, responding to customer complaints, merchandising and creating shop displays, attending management meetings.

The main focus of a Retail Manager is to improve the commercial performance of the store by increasing its turnover and maximising profitability.

Skills:

• Ability to be a team leader
• Motivation
• Good organisation
• Able to provide a high standard of customer service
• Good communication skills
• Smart appearance

Pay:

• Entry £15,000
• Experienced retail managers £15,000 to £25,000
• Earn up to £70,000 with 10-15 retail experience
• Most retail managers positions offer commission and bonus structures

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• 35 – 40 hours per week including evenings and weekends

Environment:

• Most work is carried out on the shop floor
• Dealing with the general public is an everyday occurrence
• An office is usually provided away from the shop floor
• Retail is a demanding and fast-moving environment

Qualifications:

• No formal qualifications are required
• A degree in retail management, accounting/finance, business studies or marketing many increase your chances
• Retail experience is essential

Training:

• Regular in-house training is common
• Training may cover customer service, sales skills, interpersonal skills or technical aspects 

Opportunities:

• Nearly three million people are in retail jobs throughout the UK
• Opportunities exist with national and international store chains
• Jobs may be advertised in local newspapers or on websites of national retail companies.

Links:

www.retailacademy.org - The Retail Academy
www.skillsmart.com - Skillsmart Retail: The Retail Sector Skills Council
www.british-shops.co.uk - British Shops and Stores Association Limited (BSSA)