How to hire a store manager

How to hire a store manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step store 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 store manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new store manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a store manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The store manager hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a store manager to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a store manager that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of store managers.

   Type of Store Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Store 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.	$14-35
   Regional Operation Manager	A regional operation manager is in charge of overseeing multiple stores or warehouses in a particular region, ensuring efficiency and profitability. Their responsibilities typically revolve around setting sales targets, devising marketing and workforce management strategies, and gathering extensive data to produce progress reports and presentations... Show more	$27-50
   Retail Operation Manager	A retail operation manager is a professional 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... Show more	$22-59

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Store Management
   • Retail Store
   • Customer Service
   • PET
   • Loss Prevention
   • Sales Floor
   • POS
   • Human Resources
   • Store Associates
   • Product Knowledge
   • Store Sales
   • Retail Sales
   • Cash Handling
   • Sales Associates

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Store achieve highest UPT in company for FY11.
   • Assist the DM and help to manage the district in her absence.
   • Manage the store's inventory with GNC guidelines; receiving, checking and shelving all merchandising orders.
   • Train and develop to manage multi-unit operations.
   • Create implementation plans to support execution of Starbucks initiatives to achieve both operational excellence and business results.
   • Develop and implement operational strategies utilizing less payroll expenses and allot hour usage to accomplish logistical and operational excellence.

   More store manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your store manager job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A store manager salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a store manager in Alaska may be lower than in Delaware, and an entry-level store manager usually earns less than a senior-level store manager. Additionally, a store manager with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average store manager salary

   $46,950yearly

   $22.57 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level store manager salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average store manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	District of Columbia	$64,385	$31
   2	New York	$60,187	$29
   3	California	$54,089	$26
   4	Colorado	$52,439	$25
   5	Maryland	$52,310	$25
   6	Virginia	$51,948	$25
   7	Massachusetts	$51,461	$25
   8	Texas	$50,680	$24
   9	Washington	$49,565	$24
   10	North Carolina	$46,314	$22
   11	Nevada	$46,300	$22
   12	Pennsylvania	$45,813	$22
   13	Illinois	$45,724	$22
   14	New Mexico	$44,917	$22
   15	Florida	$44,916	$22
   16	Tennessee	$44,905	$22
   17	Ohio	$44,583	$21
   18	Arizona	$44,216	$21
   19	Georgia	$43,693	$21
   20	Minnesota	$43,277	$21

   Average store manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$109,619	$52.70	92
   2	Google	$106,531	$51.22	114
   3	Apple	$86,581	$41.63	18
   4	Pandora	$85,480	$41.10	20
   5	Talbots	$80,575	$38.74
   6	Forever 21	$78,635	$37.81	5
   7	Ernst & Young	$77,266	$37.15	888
   8	RSM US	$76,954	$37.00	66
   9	Deloitte	$76,478	$36.77	1,869
   10	Kao Brands	$76,199	$36.63	3
   11	Murphy Oil	$75,714	$36.40
   12	Salesforce	$73,763	$35.46	35
   13	Huron Consulting Group	$70,534	$33.91	78
   14	Global Partners	$70,217	$33.76	46
   15	Exxon Mobil	$70,127	$33.71	32
   16	Accenture	$69,779	$33.55	738
   17	MoneyGram International	$69,256	$33.30
   18	Johnson Controls	$68,797	$33.08	50
   19	GPAC	$65,954	$31.71
   20	Bayer	$65,190	$31.34	8

4. Writing a store manager job description

   A job description for a store 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 store manager job description:

   Store manager job description example

   Comcast brings together the best in media and technology. We drive innovation to create the world's best entertainment and online experiences. As a Fortune 50 leader, we set the pace in a variety of innovative and fascinating businesses and create career opportunities across a wide range of locations and disciplines. We are at the forefront of change and move at an amazing pace, thanks to our remarkable people, who bring cutting-edge products and services to life for millions of customers every day. If you share in our passion for teamwork, our vision to revolutionize industries and our goal to lead the future in media and technology, we want you to fast-forward your career at Comcast.
   
   Responsible for delivering a best in class experience for customers and their store team. Manages all phases of the customer environment and team to achieve and exceed financial targets and customer satisfaction scores. Delivers tight operational and financial controls in a cost- effective manner. Hires, coaches and evaluates personnel based on performance standards. Develops personal performance plans with employees and provides continuous performance feedback and quarterly performance plan reviews. Develops processes and procedures to drive department efficiencies, assist in development and meeting of, departmental budget. Manages team which may include exempt and non- exempt employees. Provides subject matter guidance to employees as required.
   Job Description
   Core Responsibilities
   Delivers a world class customer and employee experience, achieving sales goals and running an operationally sound business.Ensures a culture consistent with the expectations of the company by selecting the best talent and inspiring them daily with a focus on development, feedback/coaching, sales and service excellence, training and personal accountability.Communicates business initiatives, performance standards and process/policy know-how striving for high performance and compliance. Leverages the net promoter system (NPS) to monitor customer feedback, coach and improve the in-store experience.In-store owner for merchandising, brand, resets and all associated training compliance.Coaches and develops team members on how to position all company products with customers.Efficiently runs in-store operations including inventory, cycle counts, cash management and other applicable processes and procedures.Responsible for appropriate staffing levels and efficient scheduling.Leverages available tools to monitor customer feedback, coach and take action to improve the store experience.Reviews and analyzes operational and financial reports to improve operational performance and metrics.Builds collaborative relationships with market, region and division stakeholders.Follows and administers cash handling policies and procedures.Leads the retail experience of a well-visited location and strives to enhance store and customer experience to be best-in-class.May participate in retail test and pilot experiences related to product, store design and operational improvements.Typically manages a team of 8-12 direct reports.Must be able to carry and lift up to 25 pound boxes, stand and move about the store constantly.Consistent exercise of independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance.Regular, consistent and punctual attendance. Must be able to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s) and overtime as necessary.Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
   
   Employees at all levels are expected to:
   
   Understand our Operating Principles; make them the guidelines for how you do your job.Own the customer experience - think and act in ways that put our customers first, give them seamless digital options at every touchpoint, and make them promoters of our products and services.Know your stuff - be enthusiastic learners, users and advocates of our game-changing technology, products and services, especially our digital tools and experiences.Win as a team - make big things happen by working together and being open to new ideas.Be an active part of the Net Promoter System - a way of working that brings more employee and customer feedback into the company - by joining huddles, making call backs and helping us elevate opportunities to do better for our customers.Drive results and growth.Respect and promote inclusion & diversity.Do what's right for each other, our customers, investors and our communities.
   
   Disclaimer:
   
   This information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications.
   
   Comcast is an EOE/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer.
   
   We believe that benefits should connect you to the support you need when it matters most, and should help you care for those who matter most. That's why we provide an array of options, expert guidance and always-on tools that are personalized to meet the needs of your reality-to help support you physically, financially and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life.
   Please visit the benefits summary on our careers site for more details.
   
   Education
   Bachelor's Degree
   
   While possessing the stated degree is preferred, Comcast also may consider applicants who hold some combination of coursework and experience, or who have extensive related professional experience.
   
   Certifications (if applicable)
   
   Relative Work Experience
   5-7 Years
   
   Comcast is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right store 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 store managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit store 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 store manager job on Zippia to find and recruit store manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting store managers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 store manager

   Once you have selected a candidate for the store 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 store 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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