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Retail supervisor vs retail operation manager

The differences between retail supervisors and retail operation managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a retail supervisor and a retail operation manager. Additionally, a retail operation manager has an average salary of $76,518, which is higher than the $34,740 average annual salary of a retail supervisor.

The top three skills for a retail supervisor include POS, cash handling and product knowledge. The most important skills for a retail operation manager are POS, retail operations, and payroll.

Retail supervisor vs retail operation manager overview

Retail SupervisorRetail Operation Manager
Yearly salary$34,740$76,518
Hourly rate$16.70$36.79
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs240,666408,776
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4344
Years of experience66

What does a retail supervisor do?

The retail supervisor's main job responsibility is to oversee the work of retail staff in a physical store environment. They check and monitor employee activity, coordinate the receiving and shipping of merchandise, and assist customers in their purchases, ensuring smooth day-to-day overall operation. They work for any type of retail store, whether it is clothing, home goods, or an electronics store. In addition, they typically work in a mixed environment that consists of both an office and a sales floor.

What does a retail operation manager do?

A retail operation manager is an individual who is responsible for managing the daily operations of retail stores while maintaining their physical space tidy and organized. Retail operation manager must ensure proper staffing at all stores as well as train employees to enhance their job performance and retention. They are required to conduct inventory analysis to ensure optimal stock levels. Retail operation managers must also visit retail locations so that they can evaluate the sales performance and level of customer satisfaction of each store.

Retail supervisor vs retail operation manager salary

Retail supervisors and retail operation managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Retail SupervisorRetail Operation Manager
Average salary$34,740$76,518
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $43,000Between $47,000 And $124,000
Highest paying CityPeabody, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsConnecticut
Best paying companyLive Nation EntertainmentAccenture
Best paying industryHospitality-

Differences between retail supervisor and retail operation manager education

There are a few differences between a retail supervisor and a retail operation manager in terms of educational background:

Retail SupervisorRetail Operation Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at DelhiUniversity of Pennsylvania

Retail supervisor vs retail operation manager demographics

Here are the differences between retail supervisors' and retail operation managers' demographics:

Retail SupervisorRetail Operation Manager
Average age4344
Gender ratioMale, 41.0% Female, 59.0%Male, 56.8% Female, 43.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%10%

Differences between retail supervisor and retail operation manager duties and responsibilities

Retail supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Assist store leadership in effectively leading, managing and developing store and/or department operations and associates to maximize sales and profitability.
  • Prepare food and ensure cleanliness of work area as well as served as a retail sales associate in the gift shop.
  • Prepare receipts for food using cash registers, computers, calculators, POS systems and other acceptable payment methods.
  • Maintain restaurant cleanliness, and delegate restaurant duties as necessary.
  • Monitor and submit weekly payroll and expense reports with modifications when need.
  • Perform management operations flawlessly and economically schedule employees, while maintaining weekly payroll.
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Retail operation manager example 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.
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Retail supervisor vs retail operation manager skills

Common retail supervisor skills
  • POS, 8%
  • Cash Handling, 8%
  • Product Knowledge, 7%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Sales Floor, 5%
  • Wine, 5%
Common retail operation manager skills
  • POS, 14%
  • Retail Operations, 11%
  • Payroll, 9%
  • Store Sales, 8%
  • Retail Store, 8%
  • Loss Prevention, 8%