First Line Supervisors and Managers - Sales & Related Occupations Description OES Code: 410020 Directly supervise and coordinate activities of marketing, sales, and related workers. May perform management functions, such as budgeting, accounting, marketing, and personnel work, in addition to their supervisory duties. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $8.00 minimum – $17.26 New, experienced: $10.50 minimum – $24.00 3 yrs+ experience: $14.34 minimum – $31.16 Additionally, managers may receive bonuses that can add substantially to their basic salaries. Bonus rates and method of computation vary among stores, but an outstanding manager who consistently meets or surpasses established quotas may have total annual earnings that exceed $100,000. Almost all Retail Store Managers get paid vacation; most get paid medical insurance and sick leave. Many have paid dental and retirement plans and life insurance. Many retailers, especially those in smaller stores, regularly work as many as 50 to 60 hours a week. Some stores have established a policy of the five-day week for executives, while others have arranged for managers to rotate duties so they have consecutive days off. Many managers, however, are still required to work weekends and evenings. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Almost all Retail Store Managers get paid vacation; most get paid medical insurance and sick leave. Many have paid dental and retirement plans and life insurance. Many retailers, especially those in smaller stores, regularly work as many as 50 to 60 hours a week. Some stores have established a policy of the five-day week for executives, while others have arranged for managers to rotate duties so they have consecutive days off. Many managers, however, are still required to work weekends and Employment Trends Employment 1993 137,550 Projected Employment 2005 185,570 Growth Rate 1996-2006 35% Openings due to Separations 35,530 Employment Trends by California County Growth in retail outlets, together with turnover, will create openings for both new and experienced managers. The trend toward keeping stores open longer may result in larger managerial staffs to provide supervision during the additional hours. Continued population shifts and/or growth, along with changes in the shopping behavior of consumers, will influence changes in the size, location, and operation of retail establishments. New marketing strategies, advertising approaches and managerial methods will make demands upon the adaptability and creativity of the Retail Store Manager. Managers who can adapt to continuing innovations in retail management, especially those who can foresee opportunities for their company in a changing retail marketing climate, will be in greatest demand. Getting the Job & Other Information Some firms recruit for their trainee programs in colleges or universities; persons without college education may enter a training program through direct application to employers. In firms without such a program, applicants can seek positions in sales, purchasing, or stock work, as these provide experience that has the potential of leading to management positions. The California Employment Development Department Job Match Program may have information about openings in the retail field. Newspaper advertisements are also a good source of job openings. Experienced managers find job leads through trade journals or through industry contacts. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training There is no single academic track for a career in retailing. Some employers require a college degree in business administration for entry into their training programs, while others specify a minimum of two years of college. Still other employers place greater emphasis on experience, aptitude, and ability than on formal academic training. Marketing courses leading to an Associate Degree are available in community or private colleges. Other courses likely to be helpful in preparing for a career in retail management include accounting, public speaking, and basic computer operations. Many companies offer management development training programs. Training may be offered to employees who have demonstrated potential on the job or to those who have a suitable academic background. Training programs usually include classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Skills & Other Requirements Managers may plan advertising campaigns and sales promotions, hire and train personnel, control inventories, draft budgets, and recommend, establish, or implement store procedures and policies. Managers may also oversee the remodeling of a store, plan store layouts and design displays, decide selling strategies, and represent the store in negotiations with manufacturers. Sometimes, managers may be required to stock shelves or racks, take inventory, supervise employees, or do sales work. In small stores, managers are likely to perform most of these duties, while in large stores they may direct others in these tasks. Working conditions may include a considerable amount of walking and standing since the duties of managers may take them to every part of the store. Frequent involvement with a variety of people, both staff and shoppers, is a part of every manager's job. Some managers cite long hours and continued pressure for higher profits as hardships. However, most managers agree that after the rigorous first years in retailing, the work is rewarding in terms of job satisfaction and money. Advancement Potential managers gain retailing experience through a series of progressively responsible assignments. Depending on the ability of the management candidate and the openings available, a typical career path may include work as a salesperson, assistant buyer, buyer, and ultimately, part of the management team. Once in management, such positions as branch and division manager may be offered. In stores such as grocery and retail outlets, the competent department manager is likely to be in line for the job of store manager. However, management structures vary and the line of promotional advancement may vary as well. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Retail Store Managers #242 Related Occupation: Buyers (Retail Trade) #118, Retail Salesperson #536 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.