Retail manager

You could do a degree before applying to join a retail company's graduate management training scheme. Most subjects are accepted but you may have an advantage if you study:

• retail management
• retail marketing
• business management
• business enterprise

It's useful to get some experience in retail during your studies. You can do this through part-time retail jobs, internships and work placement schemes.

Your university careers service can help you find suitable opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Courses include:

• retail skills
• retail management
• management skills and knowledge

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Team Leader Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Retail Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Retail Leadership Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You may be able to start as a retail sales assistant and work your way up. Through on-the-job training and promotion, you could progress to supervisor or departmental manager.

You could also get into this job by switching from a managerial post in a related industry, like sales or customer service. You would be given training in retail to build on your existing management experience.

You can become a retail manager by taking over an existing business or opening a franchise. You can also set up your own retail outlet on the high street, at a market or online.

It'll help if you've got some experience in retail, sales or business management.

You can find advice online about setting up and running your own business and through organisations like the King's Trust .

Career Tips

If you're looking to run your own store, online selling is a good way to start. You could sell products from your own website or through other established trading sites.

This can be a useful way to gain experience and research your market, before opening a physical shop of your own.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You may find it useful to join the British Independent Retailers Association , for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

As a retail manager, you could:

• manage and motivate a retail team to increase sales
• track stock and negotiate prices with wholesalers
• organise sales promotions and in-store events
• deal with queries, complaints and feedback from customers
• analyse sales figures and forecast future trends
• control budgets and provide reports to company executives
• recruit, train and supervise staff
• put security measures in place to protect against fraud and theft

You could work at a store or in an office.

Your working environment may be physically active.