How to become a retail manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a company training scheme
University
You could do a degree before applying to join an organisation's management training scheme. Most subjects are accepted but you may have an advantage if you study:
- business retail management
- retail marketing
It's useful to gain some experience in retail during your studies. You can do this through part-time retail jobs, internships and year placement schemes.
Your university careers service can help you find suitable opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Retail Skills Management
- Level 4 Diploma in Retail Management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
You could start off in a retail team leader advanced apprenticeship and work your way up, or do a retail manager higher apprenticeship or retail leadership degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You may be able to start as a retail sales assistant and work your way up through promotion to supervisor or department manager.
You could also get into this job by switching from a managerial post in a related industry like customer service. You would be given training in retail to build on your existing management experience.
Other Routes
Many national retailers run trainee management schemes. Some will be for people with a suitable degree.
These combine training and mentoring with work placements in different parts of the business to develop your retail knowledge, skills and leadership qualities.