Operations manager, retail or retail operations managers work in stores supervising the retail associates on staff. They work to attract customers to their store and increase sales. Retail operations managers make sure that the store, products, and employees are presentable and the store is running efficiently.
The duties of a retail operations manager include hiring and training, supervising associates, scheduling, evaluating staff, and working on a sales floor when needed. A retail operations manager's working environment is between an office, a store floor, and stockroom. Work hours vary depending on when the store is open. Most stores are open over the weekend and in the evening until 9 or 10 p.m. Some are even open overnight. So, retail operations managers must be flexible if they work odd shifts. Some work regular schedules in which they might work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, many rotate and their shifts change. Retail operations managers will use a computer, telephone, reports, cash register, pen and paper, and other typical office supplies. Retail operations managers must be good motivators. Quite often some of their employees may be very young, so the ability to relate to and work with young people goes a long way in this business. They must also be capable of working with the public.
Requirements for the job are a high school diploma and several years of experience in retail. Retail operations managers must also possess the ability to lead.
Retail operations managers are important to the retail industry in making sure everything that goes smoothly with retail associates. They also keep store productivity stable and work to improve it. This is frequently the beginning of one's managing career, and it provides important experience in managing others.
Operations Manager, Retail Tasks
- Build and/or maintain retail store(s) physically and for permits, signs, safety and quality control.
- Analyze data to identify opportunities to increase efficiency, workflow, quality, and sales.
- Support service and operations at retail store(s), including managing warehouse, procurement, staffing and online presence.
- Ensure profitability of retail store(s) by controlling costs and expenditures, pursue marketing ideas, and deliver high quality products.
- Maintain, update, and enforce safety and security procedures.