You're looking to advance your retail operations career. What leadership roles should you consider?

1 Store Manager

A store manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a retail store, ensuring that it meets the goals and standards of the company. A store manager typically supervises a team of assistant managers, department managers, and sales associates, and handles tasks such as hiring, training, scheduling, budgeting, merchandising, inventory, customer service, and compliance. A store manager needs to have strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills, as well as a solid knowledge of the products, services, and policies of the company. A store manager usually has several years of experience in retail management and may have a degree or certification in business, retail, or related fields.

3 Merchandising Manager

A merchandising manager is responsible for planning, developing, and executing the merchandising strategy and visual presentation of a retail store or a product category. A merchandising manager typically works with the store managers, buyers, vendors, and marketing teams to ensure that the products are displayed in an attractive, appealing, and profitable way that meets the needs and preferences of the customers. A merchandising manager also analyzes the sales data, inventory levels, customer feedback, and market trends to optimize the product assortment, pricing, promotion, and placement. A merchandising manager needs to have creative, analytical, and strategic skills, as well as a keen eye for detail, design, and aesthetics. A merchandising manager usually has experience in retail merchandising and may have a degree or certification in merchandising, marketing, or related fields.

4 Operations Manager

An operations manager is responsible for managing the behind-the-scenes functions of a retail store or a retail chain, such as logistics, supply chain, warehousing, distribution, security, maintenance, and IT. An operations manager typically works with the store managers, vendors, suppliers, and contractors to ensure that the store operations run smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. An operations manager also oversees the compliance and quality control of the store operations, and implements and improves the policies, procedures, and systems that support the store functions. An operations manager needs to have strong leadership, communication, technical, and project management skills, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the store operations and the industry standards and regulations. An operations manager usually has experience in retail operations and may have a degree or certification in operations management, logistics, or related fields.

5 Marketing Manager

A marketing manager is responsible for planning, developing, and executing the marketing strategy and campaigns of a retail store or a retail chain, such as advertising, promotions, events, loyalty programs, social media, and public relations. A marketing manager typically works with the store managers, merchandising managers, vendors, and agencies to create and deliver effective and engaging marketing messages and materials that attract, retain, and grow the customer base. A marketing manager also measures and evaluates the impact and ROI of the marketing activities, and adjusts and improves the marketing plan accordingly. A marketing manager needs to have creative, analytical, and communication skills, as well as a solid understanding of the customer behavior, market trends, and competitors. A marketing manager usually has experience in retail marketing and may have a degree or certification in marketing, communication, or related fields.