A store manager’s specific responsibilities will vary from store to store and industry to industry, but in general, a store manager will be in charge of managing employee schedules and payroll, dealing with any sales-related issues, dealing with employee firing, hiring, and performance issues, and delegating other responsibilities to ensure the store runs smoothly and successfully. Customer complaints, vendor communications, loss prevention management, and any other issues that may arise during the store’s day-to-day operations will all be dealt with the store manager. Most importantly, the manager adapts to a variety of situations to ensure both customer and employee safety and satisfaction.
The store manager may be the only person with the keys to the store, depending on its size. This means that he or she is in charge of opening and closing the store on a daily basis. The store manager will establish a regular opening and closing routine, which will typically include cleaning the store, stocking shelves, counting register drawers for accuracy, and ensuring that the store is ready for customers.
Managing employees is perhaps the most difficult task a store manager faces. He or she is in charge of hiring and firing employees, as well as ensuring that all employees are paid on time and correctly. Managing employee schedules, especially in larger stores, can be challenging, and the manager must ensure that all shifts are covered every day of the week. A store manager must be vigilant in monitoring employee behavior and performance, and he must ensure that each employee is praised for good work while also addressing poor work, which is one of the less enjoyable aspects of the job.
A manager’s top priority is customer satisfaction. He or she must ensure that displays are appealing and easy to navigate, that returns are processed quickly and efficiently, and that employees treat customers with respect and assistance. Any issues that may cause a customer to be dissatisfied with the store’s service must also be addressed the manager. Dealing with irate customers is difficult, and customers rarely ask for the manager to compliment them on their shopping experience. It happens from time to time, and a manager must be sure to accept such compliments graciously.
Loss prevention is also an important part of being a manager. Many stores have loss prevention departments that keep a constant eye on the store. They are on the lookout for theft, and it is the manager’s responsibility to contact local authorities if a theft occurs. Before a shoplifting incident occurs, a good store manager will put in place strategies to prevent shoplifting.