RETAIL JOBS

Retail is very much part of our daily lives, whether we are popping in to pick up the newspaper, buy a drink or pick up the latest CD. Although we are all so reliant on the industry what many of us do not appreciate are the excellent career and employment opportunities that the industry has to offer. Retail offers jobs for everyone from school leavers, returners to work and those changing career. Hours can be flexible, with the industry able to offer most people hours to suit their needs. A career in retail can be exciting and rewarding, offering everyone the chance to get ahead and to move into management at an early age.

Promotion is based on ability rather than qualifications although qualifications will help to speed up your progress as well as opening doors into many of the specialist roles. Good training is available within the industry plus there are a full range of courses, training programmes and qualifications available from most colleges and universities. For those under the age of 25 who want to work and learn at the same time there is always the option of an Apprenticeship. Whatever your choice the opportunities are there for the taking.

Remember retail provides opportunities both on the shop floor for those who enjoy working with customers and for those who wish to specialise and work behind the scenes in store and in regional head offices. For current vacancies in the Gloucestershire, click here.

Types of Jobs

The retail industry is not just about cashiers and sales assistants, although this might be the starting point for many or, may for others, be their chosen career. Retail has a job for everyone, whether you want to work in operations management, human resources, training, marketing, public relations, IT, property or buying. Plus there are jobs available that are unique to the industry such as visual merchandising.

Within the industry there are a wide range of jobs, salaries and benefits depending on what it is that you do. You will also find that better pay and benefits often relate to experience and time served with a particular employer. Below are a few examples of the types of jobs that may be available. There are many more, this list is not exhaustive:

Sales Advisor, Security Officer, Visual Merchandiser, Buyer, Supervisor, Team Leader, Training Officer, Marketing Assistant, Customer Services Manager, Personal Shopper, Stock Movement Assistant, Sales Manager, Human Resources Assistant, Maintenance Team Member, Store Manager, Town Centre Manager, Finance Assistant, Telephonist, Departmental Manager.

To look at some sample job descriptions for Visual Merchandising, Customer Service and Supervisory/Management roles click on the word document below (you may need to save it first).