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Zone manager vs retail operation manager

The differences between zone managers 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 zone manager and a retail operation manager. Additionally, a retail operation manager has an average salary of $76,518, which is higher than the $50,974 average annual salary of a zone manager.

The top three skills for a zone manager include work ethic, loss prevention and inventory control. The most important skills for a retail operation manager are POS, retail operations, and payroll.

Zone manager vs retail operation manager overview

Zone ManagerRetail Operation Manager
Yearly salary$50,974$76,518
Hourly rate$24.51$36.79
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs298,152408,776
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

What does a zone manager do?

The duties of a zone manager depend on their line of work or industry of employment. In general, they are in charge of overseeing the service and product distribution operations of a company. They typically coordinate with regional managers, establish guidelines and product roadmaps, gather and analyze data from their area of assignment, perform research and analysis, conduct sales assessments, and implement solutions to optimize operations. Moreover, a zone manager must lead and encourage staff to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.

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.

Zone manager vs retail operation manager salary

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

Zone ManagerRetail Operation Manager
Average salary$50,974$76,518
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $75,000Between $47,000 And $124,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateRhode IslandConnecticut
Best paying companyFord MotorAccenture
Best paying industryAutomotive-

Differences between zone manager and retail operation manager education

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

Zone ManagerRetail Operation Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Zone manager vs retail operation manager demographics

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

Zone ManagerRetail Operation Manager
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 68.9% Female, 31.1%Male, 56.8% Female, 43.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.3% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%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 Percentage10%10%

Differences between zone manager and retail operation manager duties and responsibilities

Zone manager example responsibilities.

  • Level one the managed distribution side that provides DSD to independent pet stores and veterinary clinics.
  • Market growth accomplish by executing fundamental basics in store and leveraging the strength of the DSD model.
  • Establish productive working relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies, reorganize and improve operation, and achieve OSHA compliance.
  • Spearhead of new training program after recognizing inadequate materials on POS systems.
  • Supervise apparel area including jewelry and shoe departments in preparation to becoming an assistant manager.
  • Used company policies and procedures, as well as incorporating creativity to merchandise apparel departments.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Zone manager vs retail operation manager skills

Common zone manager skills
  • Work Ethic, 18%
  • Loss Prevention, 12%
  • Inventory Control, 8%
  • Merchandise Displays, 7%
  • Sales Floor, 5%
  • Customer Complaints, 4%
Common retail operation manager skills
  • POS, 14%
  • Retail Operations, 11%
  • Payroll, 9%
  • Store Sales, 8%
  • Retail Store, 8%
  • Loss Prevention, 8%

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