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What is an assistant store manager/operations manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Eric Olsen
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Stores have different personnel working various roles. Some are assigned to handle the stockroom, while some handle stocking shelves. Some are assigned at the cash register, while some assist customers along the aisles. This is the same for store managers, especially in big stores. Big stores may have more than one manager working or would have assistant managers to help the manager in overseeing the store. One of the roles an Assistant Store Manager may have is being an Operations Manager.

Assistant store managers/operations managers help the store manager in overseeing the operations side of the business. This includes logistics, costing, and number-crunching. They ensure that the store runs well. They also check and ensure that there are no problems that will lead to the halting of operations. They also ensure that all of the store's systems are working. In addition, they handle changes in store regulations and other processes.

If you are dependable and are great at managing processes, this role is for you. In addition to the skills mentioned, you also need to be good with people, both colleagues and customers.

What general advice would you give to an assistant store manager/operations manager?

Eric OlsenEric Olsen LinkedIn profile

Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business

Times of change are also times of great opportunities. We are going to need new technical solutions to address problems we are just learning about. You have to lean into the issues. Don't be a technologist - be a problem solver. That is why we also emphasize soft skills like lean six sigma, teamwork, and change management.
ScoreAssistant Store Manager/Operations ManagerUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $50,956

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.37%

Black or African American 6.18%

Hispanic or Latino 15.20%

Unknown 4.34%

White 67.45%

Gender

female 45.47%

male 54.53%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Assistant store manager/operations manager career paths

Key steps to become an assistant store manager/operations manager

  1. Explore assistant store manager/operations manager education requirements

    Most common assistant store manager/operations manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    60.0 %

    Associate

    19.1 %

    High School Diploma

    11.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific assistant store manager/operations manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Front End9.10%
    Store Operations8.77%
    Loss Prevention5.64%
    Sales Floor5.47%
    Direct Supervision5.38%
  3. Complete relevant assistant store manager/operations manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New assistant store manager/operations managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an assistant store manager/operations manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real assistant store manager/operations manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional assistant store manager/operations manager certifications

    Assistant store manager/operations manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific assistant store manager/operations manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for assistant store manager/operations managers include Food Safety Manager Certification and Medical Assistant.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research assistant store manager/operations manager duties and responsibilities

    • Lead a successful inventory by maintaining backroom organization, detail planning, payroll management, and effective talent management.
    • Maintain floor merchandising standards, fitting room and backroom organization and cleanliness.
    • Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, such as transportation or warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
    • Prepare internal investigative reports base off direct observation, camera systems, and POS register systems.
  6. Prepare your assistant store manager/operations manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your assistant store manager/operations manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an assistant store manager/operations manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable assistant store manager/operations manager resume templates

    Build a professional assistant store manager/operations manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your assistant store manager/operations manager resume.
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
    Assistant Store Manager/Operations Manager Resume
  7. Apply for assistant store manager/operations manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an assistant store manager/operations manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first assistant store manager/operations manager job

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Average assistant store manager/operations manager salary

The average assistant store manager/operations manager salary in the United States is $50,956 per year or $25 per hour. Assistant store manager/operations manager salaries range between $45,000 and $57,000 per year.

Average assistant store manager/operations manager salary
$50,956 Yearly
$24.50 hourly

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How do assistant store manager/operations managers rate their job?

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Assistant store manager/operations manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Ability to resolve issues, timely delivery on goals and mantainance of inter personal relationship and organizing.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

The people that you meet! Interactive with a diverse group of individuals from every walk of life.

Cons

The employees with all no calls and no shows!!!!! Poor upper management not taking up for the staff. Also the rude individual’s that comes in gripping about everything


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Cons

Sometimes it gets overwhelming. Everyone turns to you and you have to be able to help them


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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