People often think of a retail career in terms of their personal experience of shopping. So you'll be aware of checkout staff, customer service counters, shelf stacking and generally visible roles. However, there are far more career options than these. They can be put into eight areas, of which store operations are only one. These areas are common in any category of retail, from supermarkets to fashion.
Store Operations
Most retail jobs are connected with store operations. They are the roles dealing with the smooth running of the store and the physical selling of the goods.
The jobs include the highly visible roles, such as sales assistant, but also include management roles, from supervisor to Director of Operations. All these roles require a strong understanding of customer service and an increasing knowledge of management as you go up the ladder.
Human Resources/Training
Human Resources relates to the employment of people. The role covers areas such as working practices, recruitment, pay, conditions of employment and diversity. Most HR people have done some studying with an accredited professional body in relation to the role, as many aspects are concerned with employment law.
Training roles relate to making sure all the people working in the store have the necessary skills to perform their roles effectively, in order to achieve the organisation's objectives. There are professional qualifications for trainers, although many have moved into this role because they have experience in the relevant area of training. Trainers need to be excellent communicators in order to help people learn new skills.
It is relatively easy to change industry with these roles, as all large organisations have them.
Finance and Administration
Corporate finance roles can cover day to day detail like checking invoices and managing petty cash, or long term activities, such as business planning and managing acquisitions.
Key skills are attention to detail and problem-solving. More responsible roles need a capability to look at the long term for what is going to make the company successful.
This is another role which can move to a different industry with relative ease.
Buying
The main role of a retail buyer is to source the goods customers will want to buy. It means ensuring that the price, quality and availability will meet customer needs and provide a profit to the business.
Buyers need to be able to multi-task, prioritise work and meet strict deadlines; initiative and self motivation are key to this role.
Customer Contact Centres or Call Centres
Work in a call centre is normally fast paced and varied. Call centre operators need to able to respond quickly to a wide variety of customer needs.
These roles involve good communication skills and accurate record keeping, as most interactions involve accessing and updating customers' records via a computer database.
Marketing
Most retail is known as the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market and marketing roles involve promoting products to the public. It may be projects promoting new or existing brands, or building customer loyalty.
Key skills required are creative ability, project management and an awareness of the markets in which the business operates.
Logistics
Logistics means moving the goods from their source to where they can be bought. It involves transport of any mode and storage.
In many ways, this is the most flexible area for people to work in. Although there are relevant qualifications, they are not necessarily required to start in a logistics role. Hours and travel often require flexibility, but the role can also offer flexibility in return. It also involves both being part of a team and the ability to work independently.
Information Technology
These days, all operations tend to be linked by computer systems, responsibility for which belongs to the information systems managers.
These roles tend to require good technical experience, strong planning skills and high standards of quality control.
Author Resource:-
John Mce writes articles on a number of subjects including Retail jobs. Find local jobs in Liverpool and Portsmouth and elsewhere in the UK.
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