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Job outlook for retail operation managers in the United States
Are retail operation manager jobs in demand?
Retail operation manager job and salary trends over time
Retail operation manager jobs over time
Retail operation manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,392 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,668 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,728 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,602 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,514 | 0.00% |
Average retail operation manager salary over time
Retail operation manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,518 | $36.79 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $74,400 | $35.77 | --0.1% |
| 2023 | $74,510 | $35.82 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $74,126 | $35.64 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $73,314 | $35.25 | +1.6% |
Retail operation manager jobs by state
Most common states for retail operation managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 487 | 70% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 516 | 54% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 676 | 50% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,071 | 45% |
| 5 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,977 | 45% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,542 | 45% |
| 7 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 2,153 | 44% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 272 | 44% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 4,438 | 43% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,641 | 43% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,353 | 43% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 236 | 41% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 2,343 | 40% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,240 | 40% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,451 | 40% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,374 | 39% |
| 17 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 1,166 | 39% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 293 | 39% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 4,822 | 38% |
| 20 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 2,561 | 38% |
Most common cities for retail operation managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 2 | 5% | $66,463 |
| 2 | Chelsea | 2 | 5% | $101,523 |
| 3 | Everett | 2 | 4% | $101,499 |
| 4 | Burbank | 2 | 2% | $87,546 |
| 5 | Lynn | 2 | 2% | $101,284 |
| 6 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $101,699 |
| 7 | Glendale | 2 | 1% | $87,473 |
| 8 | Pasadena | 2 | 1% | $87,430 |
| 9 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $87,389 |
Retail Operation Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of retail operation manager experts
Susquehanna University
Murray State University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
San Francisco State University
Montgomery College
Manhattan College
Sacred Heart University
Dedman College of Hospitality
Creighton University
Pepperdine University, Seaver College
Sam Houston State University
Houston Baptist University
Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College - City University of New York
Utah Valley University
Indiana University Bloomington
Farmingdale State College
University of Indianapolis
Appalachian State University
SUNY Potsdam
The City College of New York
Lauren Smith
Lecturer of Management & MarketingSusquehanna University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to a Retail Operation Manager?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith advises graduates to actively engage in a dual pursuit of entrepreneurship and traditional corporate roles, emphasizing the importance of gaining diverse experiences.
Dr. Ben Littlepage
ProfessorMurray State University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to a Retail Operation Manager?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: I believe skills associated with organizational systems (e.g. procedures, processes) and hybridized management are essential for the field. Organizations (e.g. schools, institutions) will continue to be lean for a variety of reasons. The ability to achieve results by refining systems and maximizing resources cannot be understated. Hybrid work schedules and communication are not leaving education. Leaders that embrace hybridized technologies for assessment, employee satisfaction and development, and content delivery will remain competitive in the face of a private market looking to capitalize on laggard leaders.
What Retail Operation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: I recommend new graduates pursue opportunities that offer a tangible skill or experience. Be the 'yes' person in the office, even if there is not a monetary reward. You will eventually leverage those opportunities for a gain.
What will help Retail Operation Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: Salary is maximized when leaders are sought after. Leaders who pursue meaningful experiences and remain 'market ready' are viewed as an asset to any organization. Leaders must carefully consider where the field is moving and respond.
What general advice would you give to a Retail Operation Manager?
Jaunelle Celaire: Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
What Retail Operation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaunelle Celaire: Never stop learning! This may consist of going back to school, earning new certifications in your field of study, attending conferences and seminars, and making sure that your time management is always at its finest level of excellence.
What will help Retail Operation Managers increase their earning potential?
Jaunelle Celaire: 2. Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.
Professor of International BusinessSan Francisco State University
Department of International Business
What skills stand out on Retail Operation Manager resumes?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: I'm taking my cue on this response from the required Intl Business Courses we offer for a certificate in the Master's programs in business.
-Familiarity with basic international business terms, theories, and vocabulary
-Knowledge of cases and stories from the past
-Multiple language skills beyond English (this sometimes lands people specific jobs)
-Negotiation skills in a multinational/multicultural environment
-Design/creativity skills (e.g., sketching, brainstorming, Idea Mapping, 3D fast prototyping)
-Problem identification/formulation skills/experience
-Experience in a practicum (working on a class project for a real firm on a real problem
What soft skills should all Retail Operation Managers possess?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Languages beyond English (fluency in written and oral)
-Ability to work collegially in a diverse cultural setting
-Ability to identify good problems on which to work in a competent manner
-Ability/flexibility to interact/work productively with people who have serious constraints on their time owing to other work or personal commitments/issues
-Some of my answers to Q1 above would also apply here
What skills will help Retail Operation Managers earn the most?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Previous internship/practicum experience in the industry
-Ability to identify and solve problems in an effective manner
-Ability to deploy design/creativity tools in the service of finding and solving problems
-Evidence of ability to manage in the relevant non-English language(s)
-Prior job experience/deep training in a related area
-Prior experience/training managing people/teams
-Ability/experience in working in a team and concretely increasing the team's performance in measurable ways
-Ability to speak with and relate well to people at all levels of an organization, including below, peers, above, and outsiders
-Skills (deep) in working in other cultures and respecting the values and conventions of that culture. Multiple cultures would be worth more
What hard/technical skills are most important for Retail Operation Managers?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Analytical skills (ability to gather data, clean it, analyze it, write-up results and present on what the meaning of the analysis suggests for action (the last one is most important--"what does it really mean?"
-Some experience and skills with coding in any language (at the moment, Python or C++ are preferred, though Ruby on Rails is also good)
-Deep spreadsheet skills (pivot tables and macros, as examples).
-Relational database skills, including programming (e.g., MySQL)
-Data mining
-AI/Machine Learning experience
R. Scott Hengen
Technical Theatre Faculty/Production CoordinatorMontgomery College
Department of Performing Arts
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Retail Operation Managers in the next 3-5 years?
R. Scott Hengen: Our technology will be advancing into a more wireless and digital environment. Components and accessories will be smaller, lighter, less hard-wired, and more remotely accessed, portable, and digital.
What general advice would you give to a Retail Operation Manager?
R. Scott Hengen: Your studies and time in school are a good base and support for your production in the industry. As you begin, please consider that you will still be learning and, even though you have learned the essentials, you will be asked to apply your skills and experience in new ways and in a more competitive and practical atmosphere. Deadlines must be met, and the economy of time and effort will be crucial. Work hard, but try to keep a balance between time in the industry and your home life.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Operation Managers?
R. Scott Hengen: Yes. The virus has prompted the industry to look at the production process. How the process and performances can economize, and the performative aspects can be translated into a remotely viewed but still lively environment. While creative personnel may not meet in person, they could even collaborate, albeit remotely. While the production can always be artistic, the experience will be streamlined. This translates into an economization in staffing needs and production scale and an update to needs in technology and content.
Moreover, it has caused a reassessment of the performative aspects and the need to find ways for the communal experience to be still present while bridging the confining boundaries of a digital screen. When in-person performances reconvene and at some point, the introspection of this time will echo into a transformed aesthetic, both in production and performance. The theatre-going experience may not be as grand, but it may further reach a broader audience.
This discussion also coincides with a more paramount and possibly more compelling argument of whose voices we will hear as this analysis of performative aspects commences. We are experiencing a forceful re-evaluation of leadership and themes of stories untold and sounds unheard, of behavior unrecognized and impacts undervalued. The next few years will show that the theatre industry will be forever transformed as a representation of the underserved and unheard will gain prominence to the effect of empowering the disenfranchised. Over the next decade, we may find a predominance of the modern perspective or economized re-examination of classic tales in a contemporary light rather than the pure enjoyment of retold classics.
What's a good job out of college for Retail Operation Managers?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: Any job where you can learn something new is a good job. In an entry-level position, you should be absorbing as much knowledge as you can, while making a good contribution to the company and the projects you work on. This strategy will make you very valuable, because anything you already know doesn't have to be taught to you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Retail Operation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: Let me preface this by saying that I'm going to address these questions primarily from a mechanical engineering perspective. I believe that one big trend will be an increase in the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Once the pandemic ends, many will go back to the office, but not everyone will, and even those that do may only do so part time. Residential buildings will be occupied more than they were before. Buildings are the largest end users of energy, so an increase in residential building energy efficiency will have to accompany that shift in the workforce.
What technical skills for a Retail Operation Manager stand out to employers?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: I think almost any graduate will finish school with the same skill set in terms of technical knowledge. What can stand out is an ability to code and use various professional-grade software packages - the actual programming languages and software packages are secondary. If you can code in VBA, moving to Matlab or Python is not a big deal - it's just a matter of syntax. If you can use one CFD code or one FEA code, others will be much easier to learn. The foundation will be attractive to employers. Of course, the non-technical skills are SO important as well, most notably communication (speaking and writing).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Operation Managers?
Keith Hassell: One thing the pandemic has taught us all, college students and employers, is to be flexible and adaptable. During the spring 2020 semester - students' "routines" were thrown out the window, and they were forced to switch from in-person to remote learning. Although this was a learning curve for those on and off campus, it taught students a valuable lesson: adaptability.
With the transition to remote work for many employers, they, too, had to adjust their workflows, especially with regards to recruiting for internships and post-graduate opportunities. Some employers did have to postpone or cancel internships, but some also saw it as an opportunity to think outside the box, coming up with new innovative ways to virtually host opportunities, and to recruit. The ways in which companies can now recruit, virtually across new geographic areas, is a direct result of the pandemic, one we anticipate to last far beyond.
What's a good job out of college for Retail Operation Managers?
Keith Hassell: A good job can be defined in many ways. Students have a variety of interests, and we are seeing more and more students secure roles immediately after commencement. While a student may have secured a position that is not necessarily his or her ultimate dream job, it is important to realize it is a stepping stone to get a student to he or she's ultimate goals. Experience is necessary to make professional connections and develop background to be marketable for the next role. We encourage students to think of each position as how it fits into their career goals - as opposed to a one-time job - and how this position might align with future aspirations. A good job does not necessarily mean a six-figure salary; it means opportunity for growth, development and experience.
What technical skills for a Retail Operation Manager stand out to employers?
Keith Hassell: Employers are increasingly looking for applied skillsets and additional certifications to set a candidate apart. Sacred Heart University has recently launched a remote work certification, which houses three modules - focusing on the remote worker, the remote team and the remote leader, providing the tools and resources to comfortably leverage and utilize virtual platforms at various organizations. Additional specialized training, certifications and more are great selling tools pending on the specific area of interest. Certifications are common in areas such as project management, sales, IT/network/software, Google application and more. The candidate needs to think, "What can I do that is beyond my coursework to show I am passionate about my field? How do I make myself stand out?" Certifications is an attainable way to do this.
In addition, soft skills continue to be equally important in today's job market. NACE (the National Association of Colleges and Employers) identified seven core competencies that employers seek from entry level candidates which include critical thinking/problem solving, oral/written communication, teamwork/collaboration, digital technology, leadership, professionalism/work ethic, career management and global/intercultural fluency.
What's a good job out of college for Retail Operation Managers?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: I think in today's market, students have to think less about the actual job, and think more about the company that they want to work for. I encourage students to look into different companies in their area of hospitality and assess how they feel they would "fit" into that company. What are the company's values? What type of culture has that company created? What are your opportunities for advancement, or for movement? These are the types of questions that a student should be asking. Unfortunately, in today's market, a great student may not get their "dream job" right out of college. But, if they target a company that they see themselves growing with, they should focus on finding any job within that company that would allow them to gain experience and to grow. If they do this, and they work hard, they will be much more likely to get that dream job once the industry has recovered and positions are available.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Retail Operation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: The biggest trend that we are currently seeing is the move away from formal management training programs in favor of direct-placement positions. Companies are beginning to hire again, but the competition for these positions is strong. Within our student population, we are seeing a renewed interest in vacation destinations, such as beach resorts with strong drive markets. That is where we are seeing the most success with recruitment.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Retail Operation Managers?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: Certifications are always a great idea, if you are looking to stand out on the job market. With the level of competition for jobs today, it certainly can't hurt. But there is no one "best" certification. I suggest students narrow their job focus and look for certifications that focus on that specific area. For students interested in the wine industry, we recommend the Certified Specialist of Wine exam. For students interested in wedding planning, we encourage them to look into The Bridal Society. Furthering your education in a specific area, through a certification, is a great way to stand out in the job market.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Operation Managers?
Ravi Nath Ph.D.: I believe, the pandemic will impact how work is performed and how remote work will become common for employees. The graduates will have to adapt to this new paradigm as they will have to learn how to network, coordinate, and acclimate to the culture of the organizations in this environment.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Retail Operation Managers?
Ravi Nath Ph.D.: Clearly, having professional licenses/certificates distinguishes a graduate from others in searching and securing a position in the MIS and Analytics fields. Thus, I would highly recommend that students craft a professional portfolio of accomplishments, such as certificates, unique courses taken, class project details, and other extra curricula activities in order for them to stand out. Further, there is no substitute for internship experiences while in college as this proves to a prospective employer that the candidate demonstrates a proven record of real-world experience.
What soft skills should all Retail Operation Managers possess?
Ravi Nath Ph.D.: Good communication skills, both written and oral, always serve well. Unless a graduate is able to effectively communicate and share their ideas and thoughts with others, their technical skills alone will not be sufficient in having a rewarding professional career.
The ability to successfully adapt to changing environments is also pivotal as the half-life of technology is quickly shrinking.
I will also add "resiliency' to this list of soft skills. Recovering from setbacks and quickly getting back on your feet has become a mantra particularly in the tech fields such as MIS and Data Science.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Operation Managers?
Steven Bauer: The coronavirus has accelerated the transformation to a digital world, and this effect will continue after the pandemic is behind us. Graduates will need to be able to navigate a hybrid business environment, with in-person and virtual meetings, interactions and platforms. There will also be increased opportunities to be entrepreneurial and innovative in the digital area. In addition, graduates will have to become more skilled at navigating a global environment since greater digitization will draw countries closer to each other.
Carliss Miller Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of ManagementSam Houston State University
Department of Management & Marketing
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Retail Operation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Flexible working arrangements were considered a perk or benefit, but given the pandemic more and more jobs will be designed with flexible work arrangements in mind. We will continue to see trends in the labor market with a push towards personal services (e.g. virtual assistants, professional organizers) and professional services. There will also continue to be a demand for knowledge work. More and more, employers are looking to hire applicants that can provide concrete evidence of being "Day 1" ready.
Employers will focus more on identifying prospects with certain "soft skills" which were a nice-to-have pre-pandemic, but are now critical for organizational survival. These skills include: critical thinking, agility, ability to adapt to change, resilience, virtual team effectiveness, crisis management, emotional intelligence, empathy, and inclusive leadership. Additionally, data analysis and interpretation is a highly sought after skill even for jobs that historically did not require analytical ability.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Retail Operation Managers?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Any certifications/licenses/courses that specifically relate to the job function, industry, desired skills of a job, or the individuals' desired career trajectory will have a major impact on attracting job prospects. For example, for someone seeking a sales position, courses that target professional selling, CRM, data management and analysis, sales forecasting, strategic management, business communications, social media marketing, leadership and project management would be beneficial.
What's a good job out of college for Retail Operation Managers?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Good jobs out of college are those that offer structured training, development, and job rotation. While some college students identified their career at age 5 and never veered away, some are still figuring out what they want to do after college. A job opportunity that recognizes the potential of new talent, willing to invest in training and development, and provides opportunities for new employees to experience different job functions enables new graduates to gain a realistic job preview that pays and allows them to identify an opportunity within the company that best aligns with skills and interests. Positions that are for a specific job function but have an apprenticeship model, like a "sales trainee" position, are also great for career stepping stones right out of college.
Michael Kraten Ph.D.
Professor of Accounting, Chair, Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Program Coordinator, Accounting, BBAHouston Baptist University
Accounting, Economics and Finance Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Operation Managers?
Michael Kraten Ph.D.: It's easy to over-react and over-worry when one is immersed in a crisis, but graduates will be able to bounce back quickly -- along with the economy -- once we are all vaccinated and living normally again.
What's a good job out of college for Retail Operation Managers?
Michael Kraten Ph.D.: Good jobs out of college place graduates on career paths to better future jobs. Graduates must train themselves to always think one job ahead, and not to be tempted by minor short-term wage or benefit differences.
What technical skills for a Retail Operation Manager stand out to employers?
Michael Kraten Ph.D.: Short-term skills like data analytics establish college graduates as credible staff professionals. Long-term skills like critical thinking and persuasive communication can place graduates on long-term career paths to senior management.
Dr. Mary Kern Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorZicklin School of Business at Baruch College - City University of New York
Narendra P. Loomba Department of Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Retail Operation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Mary Kern Ph.D.: - Internships are going to be far fewer in number, and so many new graduates may be have less work experience, making it both more difficult to obtain a strong position and making the initial learning curve much more steep when they do land a job.
- Employers are going to have to navigate the role of remote work going forward much more actively. For example, we have learned that a lot of work can be done from our living rooms, and many find a lot of value in not having to commute in to an office. Being able to work remotely is going to be a prominent issue in employment negotiations going forward. Both employers and employees will need to evaluate the value (vs. costs) of being able to work from home and consider trade-offs in other forms of compensation.
What technical skills for a Retail Operation Manager stand out to employers?
Dr. Mary Kern Ph.D.: - Clearly, the ability to use different forms of communication technology has become key, and as these forms evolve rapidly, employers are look for an ability to adapt, adopt, and teach them to their colleagues.
- Evidence-based management and decision-making are playing a much larger role in organizations, and thus the ability to work with quantitative data to understand situations and to help make decisions is crucial.
What's a good job out of college for Retail Operation Managers?
Dr. Mary Kern Ph.D.: - Any job where you have an opportunity to learn is a good job. Ideally, I hope to see my students working in organizations that prioritize professional development opportunities and mentoring relationships, as these provide the opportunities and feedback critical for growth.
Meaghan McKasy Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of CommunicationUtah Valley University
Department of Communication, Public Relations Emphasis
What soft skills should all Retail Operation Managers possess?
Meaghan McKasy Ph.D.: The pandemic has only emphasized the importance of soft skills. Luckily for communication graduates, so many of the key soft skills that employers look for are the foundation of their degree. Employers look for clear verbal and nonverbal communication, collaboration, listening, persuasion, and critical thinking, to name a few. Further, an attentiveness to work ethic, such as independence and time management, for instance, is necessary for anyone to succeed, but especially in an increasingly common work-from-home environment where there are plenty of distractions. Finally, self-awareness and empathy cannot be undervalued in these tumultuous times where employers recognize the importance of mental health and racial awareness.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Operation Managers?
Meaghan McKasy Ph.D.: Certainly, just like there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on all of us. However, it is up to communication graduates to decide what type of impact the pandemic will have on their career. As a result of the pandemic, many companies are realizing that remote employment may play an integral role in their future. The written, verbal, and interpersonal skills that communication students learn through their academic tenure give them a competitive advantage in this regard. Additionally, though it may not be a positive reflection of industry, candidates are being asked to do more, oftentimes with less. A Communications Manager may find themself leading strategy across social media accounts, utilizing SMS tools, writing compelling and relevant content, tracking and analyzing campaign metrics, managing community partners, and more. Recent communication graduates are well equipped to tackle a multi-media, multitasking industry.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Retail Operation Managers?
Meaghan McKasy Ph.D.: In our increasingly digital world, any sort of digital media or data analytics certificate or experience is incredibly valuable. Membership in professional organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists or the Public Relations Society of America, or a research association such as the National Communication Association, can provide you with tremendous networking opportunities. If students are looking to pursue a career in public relations, then the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) can really set you apart a crowded and competitive job market.
What's a day at work look like for a Retail Operation Manager?
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.: This is a great question. The pandemic has changed the working life for good. Usually, a day at work for a graduate starts very early with commuting to the main office of the company they work. However, this is the past now. Graduates may start working from their home office and expected to be online for 8-10 hours a day, sitting in front of their computer, probably fifteen minutes after breakfast. They may not be even required to wear a suit! The living room could be the new graduate's work office too. When the day kicks off, it will definitely include lots of email correspondence, Zoom meetings and Microsoft's team collaboration works. The painted picture here may sound arbitrary; however, the whole way of doing business can create different challenges for a recent graduate. In my opinion, the most difficult challenge will be, what I call as, the no-curtain effect, which is, separating the work life from the personal life. With no hard boundaries, such as business offices or on site working projects, graduates may find very difficult to adopt the business world than ever after the pandemic. Post pandemic era, the graduates could find sustaining a balanced lifestyle more challenging because they would be expected to learn and achieve a lot in their job while they are young and novice in their career. The whole transformation of "a day at work" can even create a new demand for different line of jobs, (a life coach may be?). I am very curious to see how the evolution of "day at work" will be.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Operation Managers?
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.: In short, definitely. The way the world is moving forward in business may not have changed its course drastically; however, the pace of the change (digitalization) has exponentially increased due to the pandemic circumstances. The pandemic forced businesses hand to transform their businesses into more digital and online form. After the coronavirus pandemic, businesses will focus on more remote and off site working. The graduates must be well equipped with technological skills to excel in a more digitalized world than ever. The pandemic has changed the skill set which the graduates must have.
What technical skills for a Retail Operation Manager stand out to employers?
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.: The labor market is not so different than any market with demand and supply. The demand from employers will shift towards more technical (software, coding, computer language programming) and analytical (problem solving on your own) skills than social skills overall. Being capable of writing or/and understanding computer languages will be a must have skill in the very near future. Communication skills over online platforms or social media platforms will play a huge role when employers are making a hiring decision. The data supports that businesses are using more online platforms than ever. I am projecting that there won't be any business travels or on-site client meetings in the near future. Exceling in different types of software, and being able to learn a new one easily, will become more important than people skills in businesses. Employers will seek for candidates, who are capable of achieving tasks in a more off-site (outside the office) environment through a deadline, and who can utilize multiple different softwares at their hand to solve business problems. As far as how the hiring process would go, we might see employers using artificial intelligence to make hiring decisions over some online platform soon. Essentially, this means that the candidates will be assessed with a more quantitative measure than ever. An evaluation measure by the AI, which will take soft and digital skills more into account.My final words are: The pandemic is still a burden to the humankind but the world will prevail. This year could be the inception of a new era in terms of how businesses run.
Xu Zhang Ph.D.
ChairFarmingdale State College
Department of Economics
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Retail Operation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Xu Zhang Ph.D.: There are a few trends in the current job maket.
- Slow recovery. Based on the December job market reports released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market slowly recovered since April, but about 44% of the prepandemic jobs have not been gained back. Between March and April, about 22.16 million jobs were lost. The U.S. labor market started to revive in May, and since then until December the market experienced 23.32 million job gains, roughly 56% of pre-pandemic level. The unemployment rate decreased gradually from April (14.8%) to December (6.7%), but still almost twice its pre-pandemic level in February (3.5%). Additionally, although the number of unemployed persons dropped from 23.11million in April to 10.74 million in December 2020, there is still a huge gap compared to 5.72 million in February.
- Uneven impacts by industries. While overall economy was hard hit by the pandemic, the job losses disproportionally impacted industry sectors. Service industries such as educational service, elective healthcare, arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services, have been hurt the most due to social distancing. Other job losses in retail service sector were related to a boom on online shopping. In addition, teenagers experienced record high unemployment rate which is associated with lack of experiences and working in hard-hit service industries.
- More employers embracing remote work. The perception of remote work has totally changed during the pandemic. After experiencing sudden changes to remote work and managing the obstacles working at home, more and more workers and employers embrace remote work, which would expand the layouts of job hunting and talent search to larger geographic areas.
What skills stand out on Retail Operation Manager resumes?
Xu Zhang Ph.D.: I believe the most important attributes employers seek on a resume remain the same-problem solving skills, team work skills, analytical/quantitative skills, verbal and written communication skills. However, given the pandemic or any other unexpected shock to work environment, how to quickly and efficiently adapt to new work modes can be a very valuable attribute standing out on resume.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Retail Operation Managers to find work opportunities?
Xu Zhang Ph.D.: The Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics program at Farmingdale State College is a
comprehensive course of study that prepares students to be real-life problem solvers so that upon
graduation students are ready to be employed in entry and junior-level positions in business and
industry, the public sector, and non-profit sector. The program features hands-on training in data
analytical techniques and culminates with a capstone course sequence of Economics Research
and Reporting followed by Applied Economic Analysis/Senior Project. While employment
losses also occurred in professional and business services and public sectors, the prospect of job
opportunities related to data analysis remains strong. Therefore, major metro-areas such as New
York are still considered good places for graduates to find work opportunities. Given the
embracing of remote work, graduates can also consider secondary metro-areas where businesses
and financial activities are reviving when the Covid-19 pandemic resolves.
Dr. Gaoming Zhang
Associate Professor, Chair, Department of Leadership & Educational StudiesUniversity of Indianapolis
Department of Leadership & Educational Studies, School of Education
What skills stand out on Retail Operation Manager resumes?
Dr. Gaoming Zhang: -Instructional technology & tools
-Online/virtual/hybrid experiences (e.g., curriculum design, online/virtual/hybrid teaching experiences, etc.)
-Social-emotional learning. How to support students' social emotional learning in a challenging time? How to build relationships with students when you don't see them on a daily basis?
-Communication and collaboration skills. These non-cognitive skills remain important skills that employers are looking for from resumes.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Retail Operation Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Gaoming Zhang: I believe most people choose to stay in their home state and teach. But the teacher shortage tends to be more intensified in larger school districts and in metropolitan areas. So people may choose a state with better job outlooks as well.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Retail Operation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Gaoming Zhang: Teacher shortage. We have heard the term of teacher shortage for a while. But this year the pandemic has intensified this long standing shortage to crisis levels. Thousands of teachers are needed during the pandemic, to keep schools open (in-person and virtual learning).
- An increasing need for people with experiences/knowledge of online/hybrid/virtual learning. For decades technology has been viewed as a supplemental tool (or in some people's mind a disruption) in teaching and learning. Not any more. How to design content/curriculum that can be delivered online? How to accommodate learners with special needs in an online environment? How to promote learners' engagement in an online/hybrid environment? These are all great opportunities and challenges unfolded for beginning teachers in such a highly changing environment nowadays.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Retail Operation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Lubna Nafees Ph.D.: The pandemic has escalated the rate at which life was changing. For instance, everyone started shopping online. Businesses were compelled to focus on mobile and e-commerce. Many small businesses, specially salons, restaurants etc had to shut shop as people stayed home. A significant number of people lost their jobs, mostly non-technical, seasonal jobs like the frontline sales employees. On the other hand, high-skill technical jobs grew. Digital marketing and strategy specialists, Data analysts, Digital transformation specialists, AI and machine learning specialists, Business development specialists were/are in demand and these jobs will only grow in the next five years. The skill sets required to work in the new human-machine workplace have led to obsolescence of the older skill sets. And that trend will only grow in the coming years.
What Retail Operation Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lubna Nafees Ph.D.: If a graduate needs to take a gap year, they could do what some of the companies who lost business during the pandemic are doing. They are in an introspection and "reset" mode. Sometimes to move forward, you first need to step back. Graduates can use this time to better understand the transition happening in the marketplace so that when they do join the workforce, they are a good fit for the new workplace. There is definitely merit in aligning with the growing market trends and focussing on Digital Marketing and business analytics skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Retail Operation Manager job market given the pandemic?
Karen Kus: The pandemic has undoubtedly disturbed the job market with an increase of furloughs, hiring freezes, and unemployment; thus, increasing employment competition amongst candidates. Though, do not let this fool you into thinking there are no opportunities out there. Employers are still reaching out to career centers, seeking ways to recruit candidates. Many job seekers today are delaying their search based on their assumptive belief that no jobs are available. Candidates need to be flexible and know that their preferred scenario may not be available at this time, but something like a remote position might be. Now that remote opportunities are becoming increasingly available, it gives job seekers more wiggle room to spread their wings and not limit themselves to one geographic location. Depending on the position you are looking for, it may be more challenging to obtain a position in a certain area than before. Candidates that are struggling to find opportunities may need to put extra effort in their application materials or may have to gain more relatable skills in the meantime. Admittedly, the pandemic has made it harder for individuals to gain experience. Employers are less willing to take on interns, due to the remote oversite that they may not have the capacity for. There may be remote positions available, though individuals often find they are not receiving the same mentorship as they would have gained in an in-person internship, due to the limited direct oversight and chances to build relationships.
What skills stand out on Retail Operation Manager resumes?
Karen Kus: Employers hiring candidates with a history degree are seeking transferable skills that can be applied in various roles and settings. These skills include writing, communication, research, organization, computer-based skills, and problem-solving. The best thing a candidate can do to increase marketability is to elaborate on how they obtained or utilized those skills, rather than simply listing them. Employers need to have an understanding of how you made use of your skill and what results came from your actions. Make these skills shine on your resume by giving them substance.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Retail Operation Managers to find work opportunities?
Karen Kus: Our graduates mostly stay within New York state, so it is a bit challenging for me to identify specific geographic areas that hire graduates with a degree in history. Larger metropolitan cities usually have more opportunities available, but candidate competition is likely higher. Since one can do so much with a degree in history, like work as a teacher, curator, researcher, etc., it's challenging to pinpoint a geographic area since the field of history can be open-ended. For instance, one might have luck landing a teaching position in New York or work as a researcher in Boston. I find if one is looking to find work that directly engages with history, it may be a good idea to explore opportunities in geographic areas that are known for or frequently celebrate history, like Washington, D.C. for instance.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Retail Operation Managers?
Prabal Kumar De Ph.D.: I think there will be impacts in the short term. The most important one, obviously, is the short-term job market. Although the COVID-19 recession's effect has been less severe for college graduates so far, the new opportunities are limited and will remain so at least through 2021. For many students, learning has been affected due to remote instruction, mental stress, or the lack of peer support. Sometimes, such setback is reflected in grades, which is bad enough, but such effects may often impair career skills in the medium-term.
What type of skills will young Retail Operation Managers need?
Prabal Kumar De Ph.D.: I think the necessary skills remain the same. One modification that would stay is greater virtual engagement. Therefore, newly essential skills such as acing a virtual interview, making a mark during a Zoom meeting, or managing or being a valuable part of a remote working group would be useful long after the immediate threats from the COVID-19 crisis be gone.