A grocery store manager is responsible for supervising day-to-day operations in his or her store. A manager oversees the work of employees, keeps track of inventory and sales, and places orders for new products. He or she ensures that customers are able to find what they need and enjoy their buying experiences by skillfully arranging shelves and displays. Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills are necessary in order to succeed in a grocery store manager job.
One of the primary responsibilities of the manager is to ensure that grocery clerks complete their daily procedures. A professional delegates responsibilities and monitors progress on various tasks. He or she conducts routine performance reviews with employees and helps them improve their skills. The manager also trains new workers and provides ongoing training when new policies or procedures are instated. In small stores, managers often work alongside clerks to restock shelves, rearrange products, set up displays, and price goods.
It is important for a grocery store manager to have excellent communication and customer service skills. When a customer has a concern or question that cannot be addressed by a clerk, the manager typically steps in to provide assistance. He or she takes special orders, offers suggestions about different products, and apologizes should a customer have a negative experience in the store. By maintaining a friendly, helpful attitude, a successful manager can help ensure repeat business.
In addition to supervisory and customer service duties, the manager usually performs a variety of clerical and accounting duties. He or she reviews inventory and sales records, determines prices, and deals with vendors. The manager places regular orders with distribution companies and makes sure that shipments arrive in a timely manner. Many managers are responsible for making decisions about the type and quantity of products to stock based on consumer research and annual reports.
While there are no set requirements to work in this position, most professionals have some college education and extensive experience in customer service jobs. Many employers choose to promote grocery clerks to managerial positions after they have worked for several years and proven that they have excellent leadership skills. A degree in business administration, accounting, or a similar subject may be necessary to qualify for a position at a large grocery store. With ongoing experience and success, a grocery store manager may be able to pursue additional advancement opportunities. Some managers obtain administrative positions that involve mainly office work and policy making decisions.