The major focus of a retail operation manager's occupation is to augment the commercial productivity of the department or store by improving its overall turnover and increasing profitability. Realizing the desired performance goals need action in major parts of retail business such as store operations, marketing, human resources, buying, finance, information technology, administration, and customer care. Nowadays, managing the whole staff, finding new strategies to increase overall sales and getting well with customer demand have been also included in a retail operation manager's job.
The work activities of a retail operation manager vary greatly on the basis of whether the department is a significant part of a chain or an independent and particular field of retail.
Various other activities are:
- Evaluating sales stature and then forecasting prospective sales to maximize overall profits
- Handling and inspiring the team to augment sales and guarantee extreme efficiency
- Managing different stock levels and then making important decisions regarding stock control
- Interpreting and analyzing various techniques to make planning possible
- Attending important meetings
- Comprehending future customer initiatives and keeping a sharp eye on the activities of local competitors
- Keeping employees updated on commercial performance, new proposals, and various other relevant issues
- Introducing constant changes so as to improve the productivity of the business - for instance, adjusting opening hours so as to make certain that the department store has enough competence to vie in the local retail market
In general, it is seen that personal qualities like pleasant personality, good communication, as well as interpersonal skills, commercial awareness, the capability to grasp advanced concepts quickly, the ability to perform even in a pressurized environment. Customer focus and competence help lead a team more than any educational qualification in the retail industry. Prior work experience can also prove valuable for acquiring an excellent pay scale.
Most large organizations place trainees into some retail management programs which generally are well structured, intensive, and preserve high quality. The training sessions are often held in house along with practical "on the job" experience.
The starting salaries for graduates vary greatly and mostly range from $26,000 to $33,500. However for experienced retail operation managers, it can be around $45,000 to $90,000 plus food multiples. However, various bonuses which are provided can also aid tremendously in overall wages.
Many organizations operate appraisal schemes on a regular basis to review development and the training requirement of staff. Various progressions are included like moving to bigger stores or other parts of the nation, managing bigger stores and becoming an assistant store manager.
