10 Alternate Career Options For a Retail Manager

The retail battlefield has changed. The modern warrior needs a diverse arsenal to thrive. That is why mastering many skills is the new battle cry. Retail managers, with their blend of people skills, business acumen, and problem-solving, are born superheroes who can conquer new territories.

Before getting into the really cool area of alternative careers, let’s look a bit deeper at what superpowers retail has bestowed upon you.

10 Essential Retail Manager Skills 

To enter into the Retail Management sector you either must have gained experience after a general MBA or even with a specialisation in MBA in Retail Management. You must have gained apt knowledge and skills during your education and hands-on.  So, to become a successful retail manager, you need to hone your analytical and interpersonal skills. The essential skills od a store/retail manager are:

• Strong leadership skills

• Organisational skills

• Good customer management skills

• Financial management skills

• Quick problem-solving skills

• Fluent communication skills

• Effective marketing and advertising skills

• Strong understanding of Sales techniques

• Inventory management

• Now, that we have discussed the various skillsets for a retail manager; let’s now explore the top alternate career options for a retail manager.

1. Customer service representative

The primary duty of a customer service representative is to handle a variety of customer-related tasks such as answering customer general queries, resolving billing issues, and giving out information about products and services.

A customer service representative also interacts with customers through calls, messages, emails, social media etc. The essential skills for this profile include effective communication, problem-solving and record-keeping. The skillset of this job profile matches that of a retail manager, making it one of the suitable career options.

2. Sales Associate

A sales associate is responsible for providing a great customer shopping experience where he assists the customers in purchasing a company’s services and products. To enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, he must have a sound knowledge of the different services and policies so that he can give appropriate recommendations on special offers, new arrivals and discounts.

Their responsibilities also include refilling stock and maintaining transactions. Retail managers are adept at developing customer relations and enhancing their shopping experience thus, sales associates could be a good fit as an alternate career.

3. Administrative Assistant

The duties of an administrative assistant can cover a wide range of tasks; however, they typically include answering customer calls, greeting visitors, and coordinating with other staff members.

Administrative assistants are also responsible for maintaining filing systems for both physical and electronic data. Since the work duties of retail managers revolve around similar responsibilities, they are likely to excel in this role as well.

4. Personal Banker

A personal banker works in a retail banking branch, assisting customers with their financial needs and providing them with suggestions regarding personalised banking services.

They also open bank accounts, handle transactions, resolve account issues, and help customers with their loan applications. Although you can become a personal banker with an education of MBA in Banking , if a retail manager enhances his existing skills of problem-solving, organising data, and computer know-how then, he can easily pull off the responsibilities of a personal banker.

5. Human Resources Coordinator

A human resources coordinator is an entry-level position involving a variety of administrative tasks. These include interviewing, hiring, onboarding new employees, and managing staff.

Retail managers already have experience in managing staff and dealing with customers; moreover, their current store may already have an HR department too. Thus, it can be an easy transition for them to continue with similar kinds of job responsibilities. Also, if they get an online degree like online

MBA in HR, it can benefit them immensely.

6. Office Manager

An office manager oversees the daily operations of a workplace, ensuring all departments run smoothly and efficiently. They support administrative staff, coordinate office activities, store and update office supplies, and maintain office records. They also handle budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining office policies and norms.

Office managers play a key role in enhancing the productivity of the workplace and regulating compliance. Since there is a similarity in work duties between an office manager and a store manager so, they can be a great fit for this post.

7. Insurance Agent

An insurance agent primarily helps its clients choose the right insurance policy and sells insurance plans. They are also responsible for evaluating current insurance policies and recommending coverage modifications if needed. Handling policy renewals, processing claims and maintaining records – all of these come within their job duties.

Their profile demands them to maintain a good rapport with their clients so that they remain loyal customers over the years. The interpersonal skills that a retail manager develops can very well serve the purpose of the job profile of an insurance agent.

8. Service Manager 

A Service Manager oversees the service department, ensuring all requirements of customers are met and they are satisfied. The key responsibilities for this position involve managing staff, coordinating service schedules, and handling customer grievances.

However, most importantly this position aims at improving customer retention. The position of service manager spans several industries including retail, manufacturing, food, etc. So, it is a suitable alternative for a retail manager.

9. Account Manager

An account manager communicates and fulfils the customers’ needs and ensures their satisfaction. He also handles customer complaints, negotiates contracts, and monitors account performance.

The position of an account manager mainly aims at building exceptional customer relationships through top-notch service delivery. A retail manager who enjoys catering to customers and solving their problems would definitely find the position of account manager fulfilling.

10. Business Developer

A business developer handles an organisation’s growth and overall business strategy. They are responsible for researching the latest market trends, identifying potential clients, and developing apt market strategies. Their key roles for the position also include developing relationships with stakeholders, negotiating deals, and coordinating with other departments to implement business strategies.

The highlighted skills for this position include strong analytical skills, good communication skills, and negotiating skills. And for a retail manager with advanced critical thinking and strategic analysis skills, can be considered a lucrative career option.

Takeaway

In this competitive job market, it is always considered a plus if you can attract versatile job roles with your existing skill set. We should always focus on upgrading our existing skill sets to stay relevant and adaptable to various job opportunities, enhancing our career growth. The position of retail manager is such an adaptable career option that opens avenues for different other job roles. In this blog, we have mentioned quite a few in-demand job roles that you can pursue with the same skill set as that of a retail manager.

However, all you have to do is keep constantly upgrading your skills so that you open more opportunities and high-paying job positions. Remember continuous learning and development are key to long-term career success and advancement. You can get in touch with our expert consellors for a better education counseling too.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Is the retail manager a stressful job?

During peak seasons of celebration and other occasions, such as holidays or sales events, Retail Managers face intense pressure to meet sales targets and cater to customer demands.

Q2. What is the average salary of a retail manager?

According to Glassdoor reports , the average annual salary of a retail manager ranges between ₹5L – ₹9L/yr.