How to write a retail sales manager job description

Writing a job description for a retail sales manager can be challenging. The role is unique compared to other sales and management roles due to its specific demands – which include driving sales and guiding a team. Conveying and balancing the need for sales experience with leadership skills can be difficult.

A well-written job description for a retail sales manager attracts candidates with the right mix of skills. It also sets clear expectations for a role that's crucial in driving store performance and enhancing customer experience.

In this article, we delve into how to draft an effective job description for retail sales managers – and give you the tools to create one yourself.

What is a retail sales manager?

A retail sales manager is a leadership role overseeing sales operations within a retail environment. These managers are responsible for driving revenue and managing a sales team. They set targets, monitor performance, and implement strategies to improve customer satisfaction. 

Key skills to look for in retail sales managers

Below are some key skills to look for in retail sales manager candidates.

Hard skills:

• Sales expertise: Proficiency in sales techniques and retail-specific strategies, such as omni-channel retail

• Inventory management: Ability to manage stock levels effectively, ensuring product availability and turnover

• Experience with finances: Understanding of budgeting, sales forecasting, and profit and loss management

• Retail software proficiency: Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems like Square or Shopify, inventory management software such as Lightspeed, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Salesforce or Zoho CRM

Soft skills:

• Leadership for motivating, guiding, and managing a diverse sales team to achieve targets

• Customer service excellence for engaging customers and resolving their issues with empathy and efficiency

• Communication for engaging clearly and persuasively with team members and customers

• Adaptability for adapting quickly to changing retail environments, trends, and customer needs

• Problem-solving for identifying issues quickly and developing effective solutions, particularly in high-pressure situations

How to write an effective retail sales manager job description

Follow these best practices to write a solid retail sales manager job description that stands out and effectively attracts the right candidates.

Highlight key responsibilities with retail-specific details

Clearly outline the daily responsibilities, focusing on tasks unique to retail sales management such as floor management, visual merchandising, and sales target achievement. For instance, one of the responsibilities might say, "Oversee daily store operations – including inventory management and visual merchandising – ensuring alignment with our brand's standards and sales objectives."

Emphasize leadership and customer service skills

David Hoffeld, CEO and Chief Sales Trainer of Hoffeld Group, says, “When you hire a sales manager, identify what you want in a leader first.” 

Identify what you want in a leader to determine your needed skills. Detail the importance of leadership in managing the sales team and delivering exceptional customer service. Use phrases like "lead and inspire a team of sales associates to exceed customer service expectations and drive sales goals."

Specify required retail-specific expertise

List necessary retail-specific qualifications, such as familiarity with POS systems, inventory control, and retail sales analysis. For example, you might say, "Candidates should possess proven experience in using POS systems like Shopify, as well as skills in analyzing sales data to inform strategy."

Mention performance metrics

Clarify how you’ll measure success in the role – including specific sales targets, customer satisfaction rates, or team performance metrics. This could be framed like this: "Success in this role will be measured by how well you achieve and exceed monthly sales targets, maintain high customer satisfaction scores, and effectively manage and develop the sales team."

Retail sales manager job description template 

To assist you in crafting a tailored job description for a retail sales manager, here's a detailed template that focuses on the unique aspects of this role. Use it to get started.

Company introduction

Start with a brief introduction to your company. Mention the name, your mission or goals, and the main products or services you offer. Give a snapshot of what your company does and what makes it unique in your industry. Consider showcasing your market presence, commitment to innovation in retail, or customer service excellence.

Benefits of working at [your company]

Outline the benefits available to employees. Include practical benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Also mention any additional perks, like flexible working hours or staff discounts. Briefly note any opportunities you offer for professional development to give potential candidates a sense of the growth possibilities at your company.

You should highlight benefits that are particularly appealing to retail sales managers. These might include performance bonuses, leadership training programs, and the potential for career advancement within the company – like the advancement to store manager. 

Retail sales manager job brief

[Company Name]

Job title: [Retail Sales Associate ]

Reports to: [For example, Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager]

Position type: [For example, full-time or part-time]

Location: [Address]

Salary: [Salary range]

Responsibilities and duties

• Lead and manage the retail store's day-to-day operations, ensuring optimal functioning and visual appeal.

• Develop and implement strategies to meet or exceed sales targets while ensuring customer satisfaction.

• Train and mentor the sales team, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and high performance.

• Handle inventory management, including stock level monitoring, ordering, and organizing.

• Oversee the implementation of marketing and promotional strategies to increase footfall and sales.

• Maintain a deep understanding of product offerings and ensure the team is well-versed in product features and benefits.

• Analyze sales data and trends to make informed decisions and adjust strategies as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures, as well as legal and safety standards.

Skills and qualifications

Required skills and experience:

• Strong leadership and team management skills

• Exceptional customer service and communication abilities

• Proven experience in sales, with a solid understanding of retail sales practices

• Proficiency in retail management software and CRM systems

• Ability to analyze sales data and market trends

• Flexibility to adapt to the dynamic retail environment

• A minimum of [number] years of experience in retail sales, with at least [number] years in a managerial role

• Proficiency in using POS systems like Square or Shopify, plus familiarity with inventory management software

• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed sales targets

Preferred skills and experience:

• Previous experience in a similar retail setting or industry

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, or a related field (or similar experience)

• Advanced training or certification in sales, retail management, or customer service

3 things to avoid when writing a job description for retail sales managers

When crafting a job description for a retail sales manager, you must avoid certain pitfalls that can lead to attracting the wrong candidates or giving candidates the wrong impression of the role. Here are some key things to avoid.

1. Vague or generic responsibilities

Avoid listing generic responsibilities that could apply to any retail role. Instead, focus on specifics. For example, "develop and implement strategies to enhance in-store customer experience" is much more specific than a broad statement like "manage store operations." This specificity helps candidates understand the unique demands of the role in your organization.

2. Overemphasis on sales targets without mentioning customer experience

While meeting sales targets is essential, don’t overlook the customer service aspect of the job. A retail sales manager's role isn't just about numbers – it's also about creating a positive shopping environment and customer experience. Ensure the job description balances both elements to attract the right candidates.

3. Ignoring the need for adaptability and trend awareness

In the ever-changing retail landscape, a good retail sales manager should be adaptable and trend-aware. Neglecting to mention the need for these skills can result in hiring a manager who’s less effective in responding to market changes and consumer behavior trends.

Next steps: Attracting and assessing retail sales manager candidates

TestGorilla is a talent assessment platform that provides a structured approach to evaluating the skills crucial for a retail sales manager. When considering candidates for this role, the following TestGorilla tests can be particularly useful:

• The Retail Sales test assesses a candidate's skill in engaging with customers in a sales setting. This assessment aids in identifying sales consultants and associates proficient in establishing robust customer relationships, which is key to ensuring customer loyalty.

• Our Customer Service test evaluates a candidate's ability to handle customer interactions, resolve issues, and maintain high customer satisfaction.

• The Leadership & People Management test focuses on assessing a candidate's ability to lead and manage a team effectively.

You can combine up to five of these tests to create a custom talent assessment. TestGorilla’s tests include role-specific, cognitive ability, and personality tests – and then some. 

Combining tests and customizing assessments with your own questions can give you a better insight into each candidate's suitability for your retail sales manager position. This approach ensures you find someone with the right skills who aligns well with your company’s values and work environment.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a retail sales manager and retail manager? 

A retail sales manager focuses on sales, including managing the sales team and strategizing to increase sales. In contrast, a retail manager oversees broader store operations, including staffing, finances, and inventory – plus sales. However, smaller retail operations sometimes combine these roles.

How important is experience in the retail industry for a sales manager role?

Experience in the retail industry is valuable but not always mandatory. While industry knowledge is beneficial, focus on candidates with a proven track record of effective leadership, sales management, and adaptability to the dynamic nature of retail.

What are the potential consequences of hiring a retail sales manager without proper assessment?

Hiring without proper assessment can lead to misalignment of skills, resulting in diminished sales, problems within the sales team, and financial setbacks. A retail sales manager who lacks the necessary skills in communication, leadership, and relationship-building may struggle to meet targets and impact overall team performance negatively.

How TestGorilla can help you find the best retail sales managers 

Creating an effective job description for a retail sales manager is key to attracting the right talent. Using our template as a starting point, you can create the ideal retails sales manager job description. 

Once applications start rolling in, the next step is to assess the suitability of candidates. At TestGorilla, we offer hundreds of tests tailored to different roles, including retail management. These tests evaluate candidates' skills, cognitive abilities, and personality traits, giving you a well-rounded view of each applicant's potential as a retail sales manager.

To improve your hiring process, request a free live demo or go ahead and create a free account.