A retail manager is in charge of the day-to-day operations of a store. Depending on company policy and the size of the store, a retail manager’s job description can vary significantly. Most of the time, these managers will be in charge of hiring and firing store employees, as well as maintaining proper inventory levels and overseeing customer service.
Small-business owners and managers often have far more responsibilities than those who work for big-box stores. This is due to the fact that many large retailers have entire departments dedicated to various aspects of store management. In a small store, for example, the retail manager may have complete inventory and inventory management control. Stock is frequently tracked by computer in a centralized location in large retailers, and the manager may have little control over inventory or its selection.
Small businesses frequently rely on store managers to set inventory prices. They may also be given the authority to choose what inventory to sell and when to sell it. This frequently works because store managers are usually very aware of their customer base and spending habits. Larger retailers usually have centralized pricing departments that make all of the decisions. In these cases, the retail manager’s sole responsibility is to ensure that the store’s inventory is priced appropriately.
Most retail managers are expected to manage store staffing regardless of the store’s size. While they may not always have control over the number of employees in the store, they usually have control over who is hired when a position becomes available. Before making any hiring decisions, they must review job applications and conduct interviews. Store managers, for the most part, take this responsibility seriously because the success of new hires is often a direct reflection of their own job performance.
Store security and banking are two of a retail manager’s most important responsibilities. In most cases, the store manager is responsible for ensuring that the store is secure at the end of the day. They are typically expected to collect cash from stores and securely store it until a bank deposit can be made. This responsibility is frequently shared with an assistant manager to ensure that someone in authority is always available to handle money. Retail managers and assistant managers are frequently expected to be present to open the store and prepare it for morning openings.