what is a store manager?
A store manager is in charge of the daily operations of a store, from customer service management to oversight of various procedures. As a store manager, you oversee the store and ensure all the departments run correctly. For instance, you manage stocks and make sure the store has enough supplies.
You are involved in hiring and training new workers to ensure the store operations are continued due to a need for more employees. You handle customer complaints and the return of products. When problems arise, you resolve them to maintain the reputation of the retail outlet.
Since your primary responsibility is to boost sales and maximise the store's profitability, you approve and implement marketing strategies. Ensuring all products are displayed and promoted effectively to increase sales is crucial. You also develop promotional strategies to attract customers to the store.
As a store manager, you can work in various retail settings, such as supermarkets or convenience stores. The role requires excellent sales and customer service skills to encourage return customers. Store managers usually report to a general manager, who may be situated in a different location if the store has multiple centrally managed outlets.
store manager jobsaverage salary of a store manager
The average remuneration of a store manager in Australia is $63,000 per year. As a store manager, your starting remuneration package is $55,000 annually, while the highest salaries exceed $70,000 annually.
factors that affect your earnings as a store manager
Your remuneration varies depending on various factors. For instance, when you work for a well-established company, you are likely to earn a higher salary since they can afford a higher remuneration. A new independent business may need more funds to pay higher wages.
Your location also influences your earnings. For instance, metro areas usually pay more compared to smaller cities. The difference in remuneration is due to the higher cost of living in metro areas. Your academic background and work experience also determine your earnings. Companies are willing to pay more for the experience you bring to the role.
Want to know more about what you will earn as a store manager? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of store managers
There are many store manager roles to explore, typically categorised by your workplace. Some types of store managers include:
• clothing store manager: as a clothing store manager, you plan the displays and deal with customers directly. You also run seasonal sale events to increase sales and maximise profits for the store.
• convenience store manager: as a convenience store manager, you run a store with convenience goods that people can quickly purchase on the go. You do merchandising and perform routine inventory tasks.
• pharmacy manager: the role involves selling various health and wellness products like first aid kits, prescription drugs and beauty products. You manage the daily store operations and work closely with pharmaceutical companies to ensure quality control of medicines and health products.
working as a store manager
As a store manager, your job is to run the operations of a retail store. Check out the duties, responsibilities and work environments of a store manager.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the specific tasks of a store manager include:
• ensuring the store meets targets and earns profits: a store manager's job is to meet monthly, quarterly and yearly sales goals. As a store manager, you offer sales promotions and encourage employees to work harder by introducing incentives like employee contests. Holding marketing campaigns helps achieve sales goals.
• maintaining the image of the store: as a store manager, you ensure the products are correctly displayed to attract customers' attention. You ensure the store lives up to the predefined brand image. For instance, you make sure the store is clean and the racks and shelves are adequately stocked. You also introduce seasonal products to match the latest trends in the market.
• managing the store's assets: as a store manager, the safety and security of the store is your responsibility. While the staff create a pleasant shopping environment, it should also be safe. Store managers make security policies and report breaches to keep the business premises safe. Managing the assets also involves monitoring stocks to ensure customers find their needs.
• ordering products: as a store manager, you ensure the merchandise in the store is sufficient to meet demands. You also ensure the shop provides a variety of items from various industries, from fashion items to food and jewellery from the mining industry.
• ensuring compliance with company policies: as a store manager, you ensure employees comply with the company policies. Most companies set policies that govern everything that happens in the shop. For instance, you check the display techniques and ensure the quality matches the desired standards.
• customer service: as a store manager, you handle customer issues that other employees cannot address. For instance, you handle large refunds or customer complaints.
• delegating and assigning tasks: as a store manager, you are in charge of many other employees. You are responsible for defining the roles and duties of each worker. You collaborate with assistant store managers, shift managers, supervisors, and department managers.
• hiring and training employees: as a store manager, you ensure the store has enough employees to operate effectively. That means you participate in the hiring process by sourcing qualified candidates. You also train the workers to perform their retail store duties.
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work environment
As a store manager, you work in various shops, such as supermarkets or stores specialising in specific items. You usually have an office inside the store, where you perform most of your responsibilities. However, you spend more time on the retail floor supervising other employees. Your working environment is sometimes bustling and loud, especially during peak periods. The role involves minimal travelling since you are responsible for a single store.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include retail sales assistants, sales consultants and sales representatives. You might also be working close to department managers and customer service agents, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, visual merchandisers, salespersons and store assistants.
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work schedule
Store managers usually have long and irregular working periods, with most clocking in up to 42 hours a week. You should be at work during opening hours. That means you work on public holidays, weekends and sometimes at night. If you run a 24-hour store, you are likely to work in shifts. You also work long hours during the store's busy periods.
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job outlook
Many consider the store manager position the highest on the retail career ladder. Therefore, you may remain in the position for a long time when working in this role. However, if you want to try something more challenging, there are related careers to pursue. These include becoming a sales or warehouse staff supervisor or working in the store's administrative sector. You could also consider becoming a regional or state sales manager.
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advantages of finding a store manager job through randstad
Finding your store manager job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as the following:
• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a store manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Some of the qualifications of a store manager include the following:
• retail services qualifications: to become a store manager, you require a Certificate III in retail. You can also pursue a Certificate IV in leadership and management or further your studies with a diploma in management or a degree.
• gain experience: you require extensive experience to become a store manager. Start with entry-level roles in retail, like becoming a sales assistant or a visual merchandiser, and work your way up to a store manager position. With adequate experience, you can seek further career opportunities, like becoming a brand manager.
skills and competencies
A store manager requires the following skills to excel in the role:
• administrative skills: as a store manager, your job involves keeping essential business records like bank statements and daily intake figures. You require organisational skills to manage payroll and create employee rosters.
• leadership skills: as a store manager, you oversee the store's operations. That includes managing store assistants, supervisors and customer service assistants. You use your leadership skills to delegate tasks and manage operations. With your leadership skills, you can motivate other employees to improve productivity. As a good leader, you positively influence your team to optimise their productivity.
• communication and interpersonal skills: as a store manager, you communicate with a range of employees and customers daily. You need excellent verbal communication skills to assist customers or provide instructions to employees. Your communication skills ensure your store maintains a good reputation and team members are productive.
• customer service: a store manager should provide the best customer service. You evaluate the best customer service strategies for your customers and train your staff to improve customer satisfaction. Good customer service increases customer retention and encourages people to return to the shop.
• computer skills: store operations are managed through computer software. You require computing skills to track your stock and orders. You also use online messaging platforms to deliver rosters.
FAQs about working as a store manager
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a store manager.
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what does a store manager do?
As a store manager, you oversee the operations of a convenience store or shop. You ensure the completion of daily tasks like stock taking and organisation of displays. You also manage the teams working in the store by assigning tasks and recruiting new workers to fill the gaps.
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how much do store managers earn in australia?
The average remuneration of a store manager is $63,000 per year. Entry-level jobs pay $55,000 annually, while top-earning store managers take home over $70,000 annually. The remuneration package depends on your qualifications and work experience. When you have extensive experience, your earnings increase gradually.
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how do I become a retail manager in australia?
You require a qualification in retail services to become a store manager. Diploma courses are also available if you want to further your career. Aside from Certificate III or IV qualifications, you need retail experience. Consider becoming a sales assistant or an assistant sales manager to learn the ropes.
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what skills do you require to become a store manager?
A store manager requires communication skills to communicate with customers and employees. Having customer service abilities also helps you attract and retain customers.
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how do I apply for a store manager vacancy?
Applying for a store manager job is straightforward: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
