Store manager salary
The role of store manager is very much a balancing act; you have a lot of people and processes to keep your eye on, as well as your own regular tasks to take care of. It’s a lot of responsibility but you’ll be compensated accordingly with a generous salary.
Job description
Store managers (also called retail managers) are needed in all kinds of retail outlets, including supermarkets, DIY stores and high street shops. They’re responsible for the entire running of their store, which requires good interpersonal and leadership skills, excellent time management, numerical skills and attention to detail. The main tasks include:
- Recruiting and training staff
- Managing, appraising and disciplining staff
- Meeting sales targets and motiving staff to do the same
- Maximising profitability and managing budgets
- Handling customer complaints and queries
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards
- Supervising pricing and stock management
- Working in tandem with head office/regional management
Earning potential
Starting salaries for store managers can vary drastically depending on the store but are usually around £22-27,000. Earning potential can increase with experience, however. The average store manager salary is roughly £36,000. Smaller companies and independent stores will likely pay less, and some large employers pay significantly more. Aldi, for example, pays its store managers £48,000, rising to £62,000 over four years. In any case, the experience and skills required plus the amount of responsibility involved in the role will mean store managers are the highest paid members of staff in the store.
How to become a store manager
Store managers often work their way up, having started off in an entry-level retail job. This means they know what it’s like to do the job of the people they’re managing and have developed their management skills over the years. However, some companies offer fast-track store management schemes for graduates and this can be another way into the role. These build on your academic skills by providing training in leadership, business and retail administration. A minimum of a 2:1 in any discipline is usually required, although some retailers accept a 2:2.
Salary sources:
https://resources.workable.com/store-manager-job-description
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/retail-manager-job-description
https://uk.indeed.com/career/store-manager/salaries/England
https://www.checkasalary.co.uk/salary/retail-manager
https://www.reed.co.uk/average-salary/average-store-manager-salary