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JOB ROLES
Store management can offer good prospects for graduates with leadership potential, but there are other exciting opportunities within retail too.
* Buyers

What they do
* work directly for retail chains, wholesalers and in the business-to business arena
* buy goods for resale in stores; also packaging, promotional and point-of-sale materials
* typically will work in teams alongside merchandisers/marketers, contract negotiators, supply chain managers and technical experts
* will monitor market changes, competitor prices and products, past sales patterns, point-of-sale information, future promotional and advertising plans to forecast future demand
* obtain samples, quotations, contracts with suppliers specifying quality, quantity and delivery schedules
* help control stock levels by varying delivery schedules, recommending clearance sales
* monitor the performance of product lines and suppliers and, if necessary, terminate contracts.

Key skills
* a high degree of commercial awareness
* ability to analyse statistics and spot trends
* foreign languages are increasingly relevant
* negotiating and persuasive skills
* teamworking and decision-making skills
* ability to work to tight deadlines
* willingness to travel and work independently.

* Distributors

What they do
Working in distribution is a great alternative to store management, for those who are attracted to the fast-moving world of retailing. Retail companies rise or fall according to the success of their distribution networks.

Working in distribution management includes:
* managing large teams of disparate workers
* learning new supply chain management skills
* getting to grips with warehouses and racking systems
* keeping large stores stocked with the right products, at the right time.

Key skills
* a can-do attitude
* a practical outlook
* evidence of problem solving skills.

Store managers

What they do
Running a big store or warehouse is often likened to being in charge of a small company in its own right - so diverse is the number of roles that it encompasses. It’s a bit of cliché, but it’s essential to able to juggle lots of roles at once, and to be good with people – both staff and customers. Each day starts with a walk of the shop floor where the store manager will talk to customers and resolve any problems.

Everything in this business is customer driven, and most organisations want staff who are prepared to go the extra mile to make customers happy.

Key skills
* motivation
* the ability to accept responsibility
* a good eye for detail
* energy and stamina.