What does an assistant store manager do?

Assistant store managers are considered second-in-command to store managers. They help oversee operations and take over when the manager is unavailable. Assistant store managers may be assigned to focus on certain aspects of store operations such as marketing, finance, human resources, or quality control. They should be familiar with running the store and with all the other tasks needed to be done. Assistant store managers should have decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and business acumen. They should also be able to do the work usually done on the operations floor in case of a lack of manpower.
Assistant store manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real assistant store manager resumes:
- Develop and implement operational strategies utilizing less payroll expenses and allot hour usage to accomplish logistical and operational excellence.
- Execute all associate training in customer service, all operational and POS training, inventory, safety and sales floor operations.
- Maintain store appearance and cleanliness by utilizing delegation with focus on time management.
- Process and track payroll on a weekly basis using Kronos software.
- Maintain appropriate staffing metrics with available store payroll via Kronos system.
- Wash walls and equipment; use ladders when require in work assignments.
- Squat, bend, stoop and climb ladders to access store merchandise for customers and other employees.
- Provide a pleasant shopping experience for every customer by providing an inviting environment and knowledgeable expertise on pet food and products.
- Institute a training and follow-up program that increase POS add-on (protection plans, private label credit cards, etc . )
- Educate community in responsible pet ownership, proper nutrition and animal husbandry.
- Assist in the maintenance of merchandising/display/marketing standards and ensure store are consistently replenish and standards of operations and cleanliness are met.
- Prepare sales and customer relations reports by analyzing and categorizing sales information; identifying and investigating customer complaints and service suggestions.
- Use carts, dollies, and hand-trucks to move large quantities of merchandise.
- Operate moving equipment such as pallet jack, hand trucks, dollies, and lifts.
- Place orders for groceries and other products.
Assistant store manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Assistant Store Managers are proficient in Store Management, Payroll, and Loss Prevention. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.
We break down the percentage of Assistant Store Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Store Management, 8%
Provided excellent customer service for this retail operation, assisting store management in meeting company standards in overall store presentation.
- Payroll, 8%
Developed and implemented operational strategies utilizing less payroll expenses and allotted hour usage to accomplish logistical and operational excellence.
- Loss Prevention, 6%
Managed all aspects of Loss Prevention and adhered to external and internal procedures for theft, inventory management and operational controls.
- Sales Floor, 5%
Well-organized and timely processing of shipment and merchandise-to-sales floor flow.
- Customer Inquiries, 4%
Provide an excellent customer experience with every interaction, including responding to variations customer inquiries including customer complaints and providing resolutions.
- Taking Care, 4%
Assume responsibility for ensuring customer service, supervising employees, enforcing company regulations, and taking care of various administrative tasks.
Most assistant store managers use their skills in "store management," "payroll," and "loss prevention" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential assistant store manager responsibilities here:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for an assistant store manager to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Additionally, an assistant store manager resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "direct communication with consumers processing cash receipts designing store flyers daily bank deposits manage stock and custom orders"
Leadership skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling assistant store manager duties is leadership skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." According to an assistant store manager resume, here's how assistant store managers can utilize leadership skills in their job responsibilities: "worked with pharmacy manager/store leadership & district management to insure compliance. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain assistant store manager responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of an assistant store manager rely on this skill, as "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what assistant store managers do: "delegated duties resolved customer inquires and complaints monitored inventory levels provided personal customer service balanced daily cash receipts and compiled sales reports. "
Time-management skills. Another common skill required for assistant store manager responsibilities is "time-management skills." This skill comes up in the duties of assistant store managers all the time, as "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." An excerpt from a real assistant store manager resume shows how this skill is central to what an assistant store manager does: "ensured payroll was completed on time. "
The three companies that hire the most assistant store managers are:
- Dollar General18,916 assistant store managers jobs
- Family Dollar4,977 assistant store managers jobs
- PetSmart2,207 assistant store managers jobs
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Assistant store manager vs. Co-manager
A co-manager's role is to supervise business operations and perform administrative tasks as support to a manager. One of the primary functions of a co-manager is to delegate tasks of team members and arrange schedules. They also evaluate progress, produce the necessary documentation, maintain a record of data, identify issues and opportunities, and assist in coordinating with other employees. A co-manager may also have the task of hiring and training new workforce members, enforcing policies and regulations at all times.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, assistant store manager responsibilities require skills like "store management," "taking care," "pet," and "patients." Meanwhile a typical co-manager has skills in areas such as "food safety," "perform routine maintenance," "basic math," and "math." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Co-managers really shine in the retail industry with an average salary of $64,497. Comparatively, assistant store managers tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $39,366.co-managers tend to reach similar levels of education than assistant store managers. In fact, co-managers are 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Assistant store manager vs. Assistant manager/manager training
An assistant manager/manager of training performs various support tasks to assist with maintaining smooth workflow operations, learning management skills along the way. They participate in setting goals and guidelines, establishing timelines and budgets, liaising with internal and external parties, delegating responsibilities among staff, and monitoring the daily operations, solving issues and concerns should there be any. They also perform clerical tasks such as organizing files, preparing and processing documents, handling calls and correspondence, and running errands as needed.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that assistant store manager responsibilities requires skills like "store management," "pet," "patients," and "home health." But an assistant manager/manager training might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "food preparation," "basic math," "math," and "training programs."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Assistant manager/managers training tend to reach similar levels of education than assistant store managers. In fact, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assistant store manager vs. Assistant manager of operations
An assistant operations manager is responsible for supervising staff performance and operation processes under the guidance of an operations manager. The assistant operations manager ensures the efficiency and accuracy of project management to boost client satisfaction, drive revenues, and achieve the company's objectives and profitability goals. They also help with developing strategic procedures to increase productivity and identify business opportunities to build a strong company reputation. An assistant operations manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially when meeting with existing and potential clients, close partnerships, and lead teams towards project goals.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an assistant store manager is likely to be skilled in "store management," "payroll," "taking care," and "store sales," while a typical assistant manager of operations is skilled in "safety procedures," "safety standards," "direct supervision," and "logistics."
Assistant managers of operations earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $65,818. Comparatively, assistant store managers have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $39,366.When it comes to education, assistant managers of operations tend to earn similar degree levels compared to assistant store managers. In fact, they're 3.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Assistant store manager vs. Co-manager/store manager
A co-manager/store manager oversees the daily operations of a store, ensuring smooth workflow and customer satisfaction. They are in charge of setting goals and sales targets, establishing guidelines and timelines, delegating responsibilities among staff, and developing strategies to optimize store operations. They are also responsible for monitoring all store activities, addressing issues and concerns, and resolving them promptly and efficiently. Moreover, as a co-manager/store manager, it is essential to manage and supervise staff, leading them to reach goals while implementing the store's policies and regulations.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between assistant store managers and co-manager/store managers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an assistant store manager might have more use for skills like "store management," "taking care," "pet," and "patients." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of co-manager/store managers require skills like "merchandise presentation," "performance management," "food safety," and "controllable expenses. "
In general, co-manager/store managers hold similar degree levels compared to assistant store managers. Co-manager/store managers are 1.2% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of assistant store manager
Updated January 8, 2025











