Skills & Competencies for Retail Store Department Manager

Retail Store Department Manager job profile

JOB SUMMARY for Retail Store Department Manager

Oversees merchandising and staff in a department.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES for Retail Store Department Manager

May have keyholder responsibilities. Responsible for department retail sales staff training, assignments, and scheduling.

Retail Store Department Manager SALARY RANGE

BASE 50%
$49,060
TOTAL 50%
$50,180
Job Level
M00
Job Code
SM15000239
Education/Degree
High School Diploma or Technical Certificate
Reports To
Manager or Head of a Unit/Department

Retail Store Department Manager Skills and Competencies List

Proficiency Levels and Behavioural Indicators
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Retail Store Department Manager skill and competencie below to view definitions.

8 hard skills or competencies (industry competencies) for Retail Store Department Manager

1 Industry Competency – Retail Industry
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Applying comprehensive knowledge of retail principles, inventory management, pricing strategies, and consumer behavior to effectively manage and operate retail businesses.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Defines the importance of effective merchandising strategies in boosting retail sales and profit margins.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists customers with product inquiries by providing information about features, pricing, and availability.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Addresses intricate complaints and concerns effectively to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Contributes to the development of retail pricing strategies to maximize profitability and competitiveness.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the adoption of predictive analytics to optimize pricing, inventory management, and marketing strategies.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
2 Industry Competency – Merchandising
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Strategically planning, executing, and managing product merchandising, pricing, and promotions to increase customer engagement and maximize revenue.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites examples of common merchandising techniques for ensuring consistent brand presentation.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Aids in compiling market research to identify trends and ensure the effectiveness of merchandising strategies.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Analyzes customers' feedback to improve product assortment and pricing plans.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Coordinates with vendors and buyers to ensure timely delivery and optimal placement of merchandise.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Builds relationships with strategic partners to secure access to superior merchandise offerings, data, and terms.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
3 Retail Store Department Manager - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Retail Store Department Manager
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Retail Store Department Manager
Proficiency Level - 5

3 general skills or competencies (Job family competencies) for Retail Store Department Manager

1 Job Family Competencies – Training and Development
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-The process of improving the job performance of an individual or group through structured and planned training sessions.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Compiles a list of risks and challenges in the training and development process.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Applies appropriate methods and tools in assessing the learning needs of a specific group of employees.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Assesses training needs to develop a curriculum in support of employee skill development.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Creates the strategy and oversees the design, development and delivery of training programs to ensure compliance with regulations.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the adoption of assessment instruments to evaluate learning outcomes.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
2 Job Family Competencies – Promotion
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Developing and implementing promotional activities to attract and increase the awareness of customers in buying products.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites different types of promotional marketing.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Compiles analytics of promotional activities to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of campaigns.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Analyzes reports on promotional activities to assess the effectiveness of initiatives.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Discusses budgets and contracts, marketing plans, and the selection of advertising media.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Approves design concepts and marketing strategies for key promotional efforts.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
3 Retail Store Department Manager - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Retail Store Department Manager
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Retail Store Department Manager
Proficiency Level - 5

11 soft skills or competencies (core competencies) for Retail Store Department Manager

1 Core Competencies – Financial Acumen
Proficiency Level -1
Skill definition-Obtaining financial information and applying financial understanding to foster sound judgment and correct business decisions.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes key financial literacy concepts and principles.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Analyzes data and interprets key financial indicators to help decision-making processes.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Adheres to financial budgets and resource allocations to properly manage transactions.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Consults on the methods and techniques in managing credit and debt.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Builds systems and tools critical for measuring financial accountability in our business.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
2 Core Competencies – Budgeting
Proficiency Level -1
Skill definition-Applying specific policies, tools and practices to plan and prepare projected revenues, expenses, cash flows, and capital expenditures.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Compiles a list of basic issues and risks for conducting our budget processes.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Applies established guidelines for conducting our budgeting processes.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Communicates budget objectives and plans to help identify financial trends and create budget forecasts.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Anticipates organizational income and expenses to make forecasts and develop budget plans.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Adapts relevant industry trends on techniques in financial budgeting in our organization.
See 4 More Skill Behaviors
3 Retail Store Department Manager - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Retail Store Department Manager
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Retail Store Department Manager
Proficiency Level - 5

Summary of Retail Store Department Manager skills and competencies

There are 8 hard skills for Retail Store Department Manager, Retail Industry, Merchandising, Retail Operations, etc.
3 general skills for Retail Store Department Manager, Training and Development, Promotion, Inventory Management.
11 soft skills for Retail Store Department Manager, Financial Acumen, Budgeting, Planning and Organizing, etc.
While the list totals 22 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Retail Store Department Manager, he or she needs to be proficient in Financial Acumen, be proficient in Budgeting, and be proficient in Planning and Organizing.

It's Easy to Get Started

Get the precision you need to assess, hire, and develop top talent with skills and competencies – see how with a personalized demo.