How to hire a retail operation manager

How to hire a retail operation manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step retail operation manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a retail operation manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new retail operation manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a retail operation manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a retail operation manager, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A retail operation manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, retail operation managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents retail operation manager salaries for various positions.

   Type of Retail Operation Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Retail Operation Manager	Top executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations.	$22-59
   Manager	Managers are responsible for a specific department, function, or employee group. They oversee their assigned departments and all the employees under the department... Show more	$17-44
   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... Show more	$16-57

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • POS
   • Retail Operations
   • Payroll
   • Store Sales
   • Retail Store
   • Loss Prevention
   • Inventory Control
   • Operational Procedures
   • Store Management
   • Performance Reviews
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Direct Reports
   • Cash Handling
   • Food Service

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Manage the day-to-day oversight of funding requirements for vendors, retailers and wholesalers using company sponsor software.
   • Provide leadership and direction to facility management and program owners while motivating and interacting with employees to achieve continuous improvement.

   More retail operation manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your retail operation manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A retail operation manager can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, retail operation managers' average salary in kentucky is 61% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level retail operation managers 62% less than senior-level retail operation managers.
   • Certifications. A retail operation manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a retail operation manager's salary.

   Average retail operation manager salary

   $76,518yearly

   $36.79 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level retail operation manager salary

   $47,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average retail operation manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$119,351	$57
   2	New Jersey	$115,812	$56
   3	Massachusetts	$101,941	$49
   4	California	$98,608	$47
   5	Colorado	$90,878	$44
   6	Illinois	$87,049	$42
   7	Texas	$79,328	$38
   8	Virginia	$77,919	$37
   9	North Carolina	$76,656	$37
   10	Oregon	$75,714	$36
   11	Washington	$74,588	$36
   12	Arizona	$74,335	$36
   13	Missouri	$69,558	$33
   14	Georgia	$66,208	$32
   15	Iowa	$63,010	$30
   16	West Virginia	$59,825	$29
   17	Florida	$52,994	$25
   18	Kentucky	$45,750	$22

   Average retail operation manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Accenture	$139,415	$67.03	1,430
   2	Apple	$132,014	$63.47	54
   3	VF	$130,529	$62.75	95
   4	Amazon	$117,440	$56.46	1,299
   5	Google	$114,589	$55.09	105
   6	Nike	$108,615	$52.22	25
   7	Axis	$94,928	$45.64	1
   8	Georgia-Pacific Panel Products	$94,011	$45.20
   9	Altice USA	$93,135	$44.78	52
   10	Atlantic Capital Bank	$93,027	$44.72	9
   11	Cavco Industries	$89,263	$42.91	27
   12	Starbucks	$84,315	$40.54	395
   13	Intertape polymer group	$83,693	$40.24
   14	Aramark	$82,199	$39.52	307
   15	Ruggable	$81,543	$39.20
   16	Acreage Holdings	$81,542	$39.20	4
   17	Kauai Inn	$81,536	$39.20
   18	Photogenic	$79,722	$38.33
   19	Neiman Marcus Group	$79,144	$38.05	4
   20	Advantage Solutions	$79,026	$37.99	1,010

4. Writing a retail operation manager job description

   A job description for a retail operation manager role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a retail operation manager job description:

   Retail operation manager job description example

   Experience a place of energy, passion, and excitement. A place where the joy of discovery and uncommon artistry blend to create exhilarating buying experiences-for true beauty enthusiasts. At Ulta Beauty, we're transforming the world one shade, one lash, one cut at a time. Because beauty is powerful.
   
   If you seek greater purpose -a place of vision, mission, and lived values-where voices are heard, contributions valued and recognized and growth opportunities abound, consider Ulta Beauty. Nowhere else are the possibilities quite this beautiful.
   
   THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE:
   
   Leading a high-performing team comprised of the Merchandise & Service Coordinator along with store associates to complete tasks, you will have overall responsibility for all aspects of store operations, including inventory-related processes, merchandise resets, visual ad sets and pricing compliance. This is a high-visibility role, creating WOW guest experiences -providing clarity, simplicity and on-demand wish fulfillment, through an availability of the right products at the right time and at the right price. For those with a passion for operational excellence in all its diverse forms and the adaptability to remain fluid to ever-evolving retail dynamics, this is an opportunity to build on the legacy of performance that is uniquely, distinctively Ulta Beauty.
   
   If all of this sounds interesting, you'll be tasked with accomplishing these goals by: Championing and modeling the Ulta Beauty mission, vision and values Prioritizing and executing product and marketing resets, pricing updates, inventory related tasks along with replenishment Establishing strong vendor partnerships that are mutually beneficial in delivering shipment and planogram expectations Meeting/exceeding sales, profitability and operational goals Forecasting/adjusting payroll to maximize productivity and workload Enhancing the Ulta Beauty brand through "wow" guest experiences, promoting the Ulta Beauty loyalty and guest service programs Reviewing/interpreting financial and operational reporting, including store visit and audit results Identifying underperforming metrics and generating strategic solutions that leverage existing tools, programs and resources Attracting, hiring, training, coaching, developing and retaining a diverse team of top talent Enhancing associate engagement by building a high-performance environment that inspires and encourages Promoting service excellence to leadership by sharing best-practices, establishing priorities and providing support Ensuring adherence to all Ulta Beauty policies, procedures and standards Protecting company assets and minimizing loss according to store standards and operating procedures, including workplace safety, inventory control and loss prevention Supporting continuous improvement by implementing company programs and influencing adoption THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS:
   
   Qualified candidates will be proven retail leaders who possess 2-3+ years of demonstrated experience in attracting, developing and motivating top talent in a dynamic, ever-changing environment-leading associates through the change curve while developing collaborative relationships. Additional requirements include: Driving top-line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll and controlling expenses A proven ability to monitor inventory, achieve operational excellence, drive culture and execute merchandising directives Proficiency with MS Office and Apple devices Strong collaboration, organizational and prioritization skills Adaptability to flex to changing priorities and expectations The ability to work a flexible, full-time schedule that includes days, evenings, weekends and holidays The ability to attend business meetings/trainings A Bachelor's degree is preferred, but not required
   Essential Functions: On a regular basis, requires the ability to walk On a regular basis, requires the ability to reach with hands and arms On a regular basis, requires the ability to stand for a minimum of 4 hours On a regular basis, requires the ability to lift and/or move 50 lbs. On an occasional basis, requires the ability to climb a ladder and balance Assistant Manager, Inventory Manager, Display Merchandiser, Quality Specialist, Retail Marketing Specialist, Inventory Control Specialist, Visual Merchandiser, Promotions Coordinator, Trainer, Planogram Lead, Team Lead, Team Leader, Training Lead, Training Leader, Department Manager, Floor Manager
   
   The pay range for this position is $18.75 - $29.40 / Hour with the opportunity to earn additional compensation pursuant with the Company's bonus plan. Exact pay will be based on factors including but not limited to relevant education qualifications certifications experience level shift geographic location and business and organizational needs. Visit our Benefits and Career Development page:
   
   ABOUT
   
   At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful . Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty's own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring-hair, skin, brow, and make-up services.
   
   We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right retail operation manager for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with retail operation managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit retail operation managers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your retail operation manager job on Zippia to find and recruit retail operation manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with retail operation manager candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new retail operation manager

   Once you have selected a candidate for the retail operation manager position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new retail operation manager first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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