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What is a retail operation manager and how to become one
A retail operation manager is an individual responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a retail store or chain. They manage staff, inventory, and customer service to ensure that the business runs smoothly. Their duties include hiring and training employees, setting sales goals, creating schedules, monitoring inventory levels, and implementing marketing strategies. Retail operation managers also analyze data to identify trends and make informed decisions about product offerings and pricing.
What general advice would you give to a retail operation manager?
Eric Olsen
Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business
Avg. Salary $76,518
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%
Asian 6.36%
Black or African American 6.18%
Hispanic or Latino 15.19%
Unknown 4.34%
White 67.46%
Genderfemale 43.19%
male 56.81%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a retail operation manager?
Pros
Competitive salary and benefits
Chance to work with a diverse group of people
Exposure to a wide variety of products and merchandise
Opportunity to develop customer service and sales skills
Potential for bonuses or commission based on store performance
Cons
Long hours, including evenings and weekends
High stress environment, especially during peak shopping seasons
Dealing with difficult customers and managing complaints
Constant pressure to meet sales targets and KPIs
Potential for burnout due to the fast-paced nature of the job
Retail operation manager career paths
Key steps to become a retail operation manager
Explore retail operation manager education requirements
Start to develop specific retail operation manager skills
Skills Percentages POS 14.14% Retail Operations 10.61% Payroll 9.16% Store Sales 8.35% Retail Store 7.89% Complete relevant retail operation manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New retail operation 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 a retail operation manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real retail operation manager resumes.Research retail operation manager duties and responsibilities
- Work to build and maintain Client/Retailer partnerships while managing ongoing client goals and KPI objectives.
- Manage photo lab operations in multi-unit retail locations throughout multiple geographies.
- Manage day-to-day store operations including inventory management, sales generation, and payroll.
- Manage scheduling and payroll for team; conduct performance evaluations, promotions and terminations when necessary.
Prepare your retail operation manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your retail operation manager resume.
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Build a professional retail operation 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 retail operation manager resume.
Apply for retail operation manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a retail operation manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first retail operation manager job
Are you a retail operation manager?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average retail operation manager salary
The average retail operation manager salary in the United States is $76,518 per year or $37 per hour. Retail operation manager salaries range between $47,000 and $124,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do retail operation managers rate their job?
Retail operation manager reviews
Helping my stores and employees achieve there goals
Only one day off no time for family
I have leadership skills I always hire employees who like to work in a team I like to see sales increase and love to see the best customer service is given
In reality, i do not complain as its who i am
I don't like it when moral is low and nothing seems to perk employees up to become more productive at work.
Educating employees and getting everyone on the same mindset about what it takes for a company to succeed.
Updated January 8, 2025
