AT FIRST glance, falling inflation and rising consumer confidence may not seem to impact your career choices.
But if you’re thinking of switching jobs, then you may want to check out retail management.
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Martin Sartorius, principal economist at the CBI, said retailers have reason to be optimistic about shoppers spending – which means they’ll be much more likely to hire too.
He said: “Consumer sentiment has been improving and households’ energy bills are set to decline from July. The resulting boost to incomes should help support retail sales going into the second half of this year.”
With over 38,000 open vacancies, retail management is a role in which most people can thrive, whatever your background, so let’s talk shop.
What type of experience do I need? It’s a meritocratic career which suits all ages and stages. You can get into retail as a career returner with decades of experience or you can start as your first job.
And what type of skills and attributes? Retail is first and foremost a people job. You need to be able to serve customers and sell your shop’s products.
The ability to get on well with customers, stay calm under pressure and work well as part of a team is essential.
It helps to have an eye for detail and be neat and tidy to maintain stock levels and the shop floor too. For managers, budgeting, time management, rostering and leadership are key.
What kind of salary can I make? The average salary for a retail manager is almost £37,000 but there’s a chance to earn much more with bonuses.
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And what about the hours? This will depend on what you’re selling. Some stores such as supermarkets offer 24-hour shifts but a high-end specialist service may only be open Monday to Saturday.
If you want a nine-to-five, it’s probably not for you, but if flexibility is important then there will be a job which works your way.
How do I break into the sector? You can take a Level 4 Apprenticeship with many retailers offering their own courses.
Find out more here
The alternative is to work your way up from the shop floor. Promotions can be very quick with some staff making the move in under a year.
Ready for some shelf help? Here are the best retail management jobs on Sun Jobs this week.
Department Manager, H&M, London
Join the fashion pack with this management role at H&M.
The Job: Global retail giant H&M has an opportunity for an experienced Department Manager to join its team in Central London.
What You’ll Do: You’ll lead a team to secure the best experience for both colleagues and customers, providing regular feedback and support through their development and training.
You’ll analyse and follow up on sales and profit KPIs for your department, and ensure health and safety, legal and security measures are in place and adhered to at all times.
You’ll Need: A passion for fashion, retail, sustainability and innovation is essential, along with a minimum of one to two years management experience in a customer-facing role, previous experience managing teams, and a positive and proactive customer-first mindset.
Apply Now: Fill out your application for this Department Manager role here, and check out further vacancies at H&M.
Store Stock Associate, Asics, London
Looking for extra experience to elevate you to management? This could be your next career move.
The Job: Asics has an opening for a Store Stock Associate to join its Onitsuka Tiger global flagship store in Central London.
What You’ll Do: You’ll function as the stock specialist, as part of the team that brings the fashion brand and store results to a higher level.
You’ll be a part of fashion and influencer events and will assist the team with floor moves, promotions and product launches.
You’ll Need: Excellent English; a passion for fashion, retail and Onitsuka Tiger in particular; a positive, can-do attitude; and availability to work evenings and weekends.
Apply Now: For more on this Store Stock Associate role, and more opportunities at Asics, click here.
Sales Consultant (24hrs), Adidas Brand Centre, London
This super-flexible role will gain you experience in merchandise management and shop floor hours, allowing you to take the next step on the career ladder.
The Job: Adidas is hiring an enthusiastic, inspiring and positive Sales Consultant to work at the Adidas Brand Centre in White City.
What You’ll Do: You’ll work collaboratively with the team to drive sales – connecting, engaging and inspiring customers.
You’ll be supporting merchandise management, both deliveries and replenishment; and applying your knowledge, expertise and training effectively on the shop floor.
You’ll Need: You should have at least a month of experience working in a sales or other customer-facing role; knowledge of store KPIs and ideas on how to achieve them; effective customer service and sales skills; and an eagerness to learn, grow and inspire.
Apply Now: See further details of this Sales Consultant role, along with other vacancies at Adidas, here.
Discover thousands more open roles all across the UK on The Sun Job Board
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
