How to Hire The Right Store Manager

If you’re a retail brand, then you’ll know that your store managers are more than just your employees – they’re the captains of your ship, steering your brand towards success. They’re the faces of your business, the leaders of your team, and the driving force behind customer satisfaction and sales. It’s for this reason that hiring the right store manager is an important decision that, if done improperly, can significantly impact your bottom line.

Whilst, at a glance, that may seem a bit dramatic, think about it. A disengaged or ineffective store manager can lead to low staff morale, a poor customer experience, and ultimately, lost revenue. That’s why a strategic and thoughtful approach to retail store manager recruitment is essential.

We’re sharing our top tips for finding and hiring the perfect store managers for your brand, ensuring that you have strong leaders behind you who can drive your retail success.

What makes for a great store manager?

Before you even start sifting through applications for your retail store manager jobs, you first need to define what “ideal” looks like for your business. Whilst it will vary from brand to brand, there is a set of qualities, skills and traits that great store managers should all possess.

It may seem like a given, but when it comes to retail store managers, leadership skills aren’t just a nice-to-have – they’re an absolute must. Store managers need to be more than just a boss; they need to be a leader who can inspire, motivate, and guide their team.

A great store manager with strong leadership skills can make all the difference. They set the tone for the entire team, creating a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best. They’re not just delegating tasks; they’re empowering their team to take ownership, develop their skills, and contribute to the overall success of the store.

Having strong communication skills is also crucial. Your store managers will need to communicate effectively with staff and customers alike, conveying information clearly and politely, resolving conflicts, and building rapport as they go.

Beyond strong leadership, successful store managers need to be masters of many trades. They need that sharp problem-solving mind, able to think critically, analyse situations carefully, and make those crucial decisions, even under pressure. Because let’s be honest, in retail, unexpected challenges pop up faster than you can say “sale”!

And while they’re busy putting out fires and making smart decisions, they can’t forget about the heart of it all: the customer. You’ll already know this – but having a strong customer focus is an absolute non-negotiable. We’re talking about store managers who are truly passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, creating that positive shopping experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

But it’s not just about happy customers; it’s about a healthy business too. That’s where commercial acumen comes in. Good store managers understand those key performance indicators (KPIs), know how to manage budgets effectively, and have that drive to boost sales and keep those profits climbing.
Of course, they can’t do it all alone, which is why team building and motivation are key to creating a high-performing team. Choose store managers who know how to create and maintain positive and productive work environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to achieve those goals.

And finally, let’s not forget about adaptability and resilience. We all know that the retail landscape is constantly chopping and changing, and you need store managers that can roll with the punches. They’ll need to be able to adapt to new challenges, handle the pressure, and remain calm in the face of adversity.

Experience and Cultural Fit

While skills and qualifications are important, don’t overlook the significance of experience and cultural fit when recruiting for your retail store manager jobs.

Previous experience in retail management is valuable, but don’t discount candidates with transferable skills from other industries. Look for individuals who demonstrate leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities, even if they haven’t specifically managed a retail store before.
Cultural fit is equally important. You want to find store managers who align with your company’s values, mission, and work environment. During the interview process, ask questions to assess cultural fit, such as:

• “Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult customer. What was your approach?”
• “How would you describe your leadership style?”
• “What are your thoughts on teamwork and collaboration?”
• “How do you stay motivated and motivate others?”
• “What are your career goals and how does this position align with them?”

What Skills are Required for a Store Manager?

For store managers, it’s not just about having one particular skill – they’ll need a whole toolkit.

First up, you’ve got people management. This is all about building and leading a high-performing team. We’re talking about hiring the right people, training them effectively, delegating tasks like a pro, keeping the team motivated, and, let’s face it, sometimes even resolving a conflict or two. Because even in the best teams, a little friction can happen now and then!

Next, is operations management. This is about keeping the store running like a well-oiled machine. You know the drill: inventory control, visual merchandising, and store maintenance and loss prevention.

And, last but not least, no store manager can forget about the heart of it all: sales and customer service. This is where those people skills shine. We’re talking about mastering sales techniques, building strong customer relationships, handling those tricky complaints with grace, and ultimately, creating loyal customers who keep coming back for more.

How to Hire the Right Store Manager

So, you know who you’re looking for – but how do you find them? Finding the right store managers for your stores isn’t just about luck; it’s about having a clear and well-defined process.

You’ll need to start with a store manager job description that stands out from the crowd. Don’t just list the basics – make it compelling! Clearly outline those responsibilities, the must-have skills, and any essential qualifications. And don’t forget to shout about your amazing company culture and the fantastic benefits of working for your brand.

Once the applications are in, it’s interview time. Mix up standard questions with different interview formats, such as behavioural and situational interviews, to really get to know your candidates. Dig deep with insightful questions that uncover their leadership style, their problem-solving abilities, and how customer-focused they truly are.

Do you have someone in mind? If you’re ready to bring your new store managers on board, don’t forget to speak to their references and complete any other necessary background checks to make sure they’re the right fit for your team.

Unsure about the store manager recruitment process? You don’t have to go it alone, speak to a specialist retail recruitment agency like ourselves. We live and breathe retail, and we’re experts at finding those hidden gems – those store managers with the skills, experience, and perfect cultural fit to make your business thrive.

How to Retain Store Management Employees

Once you’ve bagged the right store managers, you won’t want to lose them. That’s why you’ll want a top-notch staff recruitment strategy up your sleeve.

As a starting point, you’ll want to offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Ensure that what you’re offering is in line with (or better than) industry standards and reflects the value your store managers bring to your business.

Package aside, you’ll also want to provide opportunities for growth and development. Invest in training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear career paths to help your store managers develop their skills and advance within your company.

And, because culture is everything, you’ll need to offer a positive working environment. Encourage a culture of recognition, appreciation, and work-life balance, with open communication and opportunities for employee feedback and engagement where necessary.

Your Trusted Retail Recruitment Partner

Need some help with your store manager search? If you need expert assistance with your retail recruitment, talk to us.