A retail floor manager manages the daily operations of a retail store, and they must control the budget, supervise employees, and keep an eye on housekeeping and duty rosters. A multi-tasking job like this demands specific skills on different levels discussed below.
Beginner’s level
Students or youngsters with no previous experience can start their careers at this level. They can be recruited as service associates, assistant storekeepers, or front desk executives. A diploma in retail management can be helpful to get a break in this industry. Recruiters look for some basic skills in the prospective resumes:
● Working Knowledge of Computers: Everything is digitised nowadays, and retail stores use special software to manage their operations. Hence, technical know-how is a prerequisite.
● Patience: Entry-level executives are often the first point of contact with the customers, and they must be patient while dealing with different types of customers.
● Communication Skills: The job profile requires regular interaction with customers and colleagues. Thus, good communication skills are a must.
Intermediate level
A retail manager operates an entire shop floor and its day-to-day operations at this level. They have to keep track of the number of footfalls in the store, coordinate recruitment of new staff and supervise them, maintain the duty roster and ensure the smooth functioning of the supply chain. The following skills are considered ideal for holding a diverse portfolio of work.
● Time Management: The proper functioning of a store is not impossible without appropriate time management. Ensuring the store’s right opening and closing time, time of arrival of new items, and their listing is essential.
● Financial Accounting: A retail store has different billings and accounting information types that require proper recording and documentation. Thus, a basic knowledge of financial accounting is required. Students from a non-finance background can consider taking a one-year retail management diploma course where financial accounting is covered.
● Incorporate Changes: The retail industry is a dynamic sector with constant changes. Retail managers should always be ready to successfully incorporate those changes to ensure seamless functioning of the store.
Top Level
At the top level, the deserving candidate can become a general manager or director of a retail store. They can be a part of the highest decision-making level. As a director, they can influence decisions on expansion plans for the store or the retail chain. At this level, the candidate should possess skills to
● Effectively manage large-scale operations, mass inventory and multiple functional activities
● Develop a marketing plan for a new and existing product
Although experience and good exposure are important in top-level retail management jobs, a one-year diploma in retail can be handy in developing an overview of the retail sector.
With the above-mentioned skills, you can embark on a successful journey in the field of retail floor management. You may consider a 2-year distance MBA in Retail Management from NMIMS Global if you are already working. If you can’t invest that much time right now, you can also consider courses with shorter duration.
