Retail

Summary

The Loss Prevention job family is responsible for the prevention of loss within a retail setting. This includes developing and implementing policies and procedures to reduce theft, fraud, shrinkage, investigating and resolving incidents of theft, and training employees on loss prevention best practices. 

Job holders work to identify and mitigate risks through surveillance, investigations, and security measures. They are responsible for carrying out relevant investigations regarding inventory control. They monitor the store’s compliance with various safety standards, and they collaborate with other departments to make sure that merchandise losses are kept to a minimum. Job holders may also work with law enforcement to apprehend criminals. 

Typical activities

• Works with store management to develop and implement loss prevention strategies.
• Performs various inventory control and loss prevention activities.
• Analyzes store data to identify patterns of theft and fraud.
• Conducts investigations into incidents of theft and fraud.
• Provides training to store staff on loss prevention procedures.
• Monitors store security systems and respond to alarms.
• Observes customer behavior and identifies suspicious activity.
• Apprehends shoplifters and works with law enforcement as necessary.

Synonyms or related job titles

Loss Prevention Officer, Loss Prevention Specialist, Retail Asset Protection Specialist

Summary

The Merchandise Buying job family consists of positions that are responsible for the selection and procurement of merchandise for sale in retail establishments. These positions are responsible for analyzing trends, negotiating prices, and selecting and ordering merchandise. 

Job holders are required to manage vendors and evaluate products for various assigned categories. They also need to make sur they are always maximising sales and profitability, and they are reasonable for providing leadership and support for the buying function of the business. They may also design and implement buying programs to meet the business’ goals.

Typical activities

• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of the merchandise mix and target market.
• Analyzes past sales data and trends to develop sales plans and identify areas of opportunity.
• Works with vendors to negotiate prices, terms, and conditions.
• Monitors inventory levels and reorders merchandise as necessary to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Develops and implements promotions and marketing initiatives to drive sales.
• Monitors competitor activity and adjusts plans accordingly.
• Prepares regular reports detailing sales performance, inventory levels, and other key metrics.
• Stays abreast of industry trends and developments.

Synonyms or related job titles

Merchandise Buyer, Inventory Buyer, Retail Buyer

Summary

The Merchandise Management job family is responsible for planning and executing the merchandise strategy for a retail business. This includes creating and managing the business' product mix, determining the right mix of merchandise to sell, setting prices, and managing inventory. 

Job holders in a corporate setting are responsible for sourcing, managing, and curating a company's products and promotional material. They oversee the buying process, forecast inventory demands and trends, and negotiate with suppliers. Together with the buying department they plan product ranges and prepare sales and stock plans.

Job holders in a retail store setting make sure that all of the merchandise coming into the business is in working order, before then arranging it around the store for the optimum engagement with customers. They also make note of any shortages and correspond with corporate or suppliers to solve any issues.

Typical activities

• Oversees all aspects of merchandise planning and management for retail stores.
• Develops merchandise plans and strategies in alignment with company objectives.
• Analyzes sales data and trends to develop merchandise plans that maximize sales and profitability.
• Analyzes every aspect of bestsellers (for example, price points, colors or styles), ensuring that they reach their full potential.
• Monitors slow sellers and takes action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary.
• Analyzes the previous season's sales and report on the current season's lines.
• Creates and maintains seasonal merchandise assortments for stores.
• Manages inventory levels to ensure adequate stock levels and minimize markdowns .
• Partners with buying team to place merchandise orders and ensure timely receipt of goods.
• Monitors store merchandise performance and takes appropriate action to improve results.
• Conducts regular store visits to assess merchandise presentation and sales performance.
• Coaches and develops store management and associates on merchandise planning and management.
• Manages receipt, stock and flow of merchandise.

Synonyms or related job titles

Merchandise Manager, Merchandiser

Summary

The Merchandise Planning and Allocation job family is responsible for developing and executing plans to ensure the right merchandise is available to meet customer demand in the right quantities at the right time. This includes forecasting demand, creating and maintaining stock-keeping unit (SKU) plans, developing allocation plans, managing inventory levels, and analyzing sales and customer data to make recommendations on future plans. 

Job holders ensure that customers can find the products they want, when they want them, and that the company is maximizing sales and profits by having the right mix of inventory on hand. They also need to work with other the Merchandising Management team to develop and implement merchandising strategies to optimize the business' operations.

Core Duties

• Develops and implements merchandise planning and allocation strategies that align with company objectives and support the overall merchandise goals.
• Ensures sufficient merchandise inventory to meet demand.
• Monitors sales data and trends to make adjustments to merchandise plans and allocations as needed, forecasts future inventory needs through analyses.
• Identifies production and supply difficulties and deals with any problems or delays as they arise.
• Works closely with the buying team to develop merchandise plans that balance customer demand with company profitability goals.
• Allocates merchandise to stores based on sales history, customer demand, and other factors to ensure optimum level and content of merchandise at store level.

Synonyms or related job titles

Allocation & Replenishment

Summary

The Multi-Store Management job family is responsible for managing multiple retail stores. This includes store operations, such as sales, customer service, inventory, and store management. 

Job holders manage store staff, oversee store operations, and ensure that stores are meeting sales goals. They are also responsible for developing and implementing marketing and promotional strategies, overseeing inventory, and for ensuring that stores are compliant with all company policies and procedures.  Job holders will be working in a defined area based on geography or a specific category or line of stores.

Typical activities

• Analyzes sales reports and trends to make decisions about inventory, markdowns, and merchandising.
• Coordinates store activities with other Store Managers and Regional Management.
• Ensures stores are profitable and operating efficiently.
• Plans and executes store operations, including opening and closing procedures.
• Hires, trains, and develops store management and staff.

Synonyms or related job titles

Regional Store Manager, Regional Shop Manager

Summary

The Product Design Creative job family is responsible for the design and development of products and packaging for retail environments. This includes the development of concepts, sketches, prototypes, and final product designs. 

Job holders work closely with the retail buying team and merchandising team to ensure that products meet the needs of the retail market and consumers. They must have a strong understanding of design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes in order to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. They may also be involved in overseeing production, and managing quality control.

Typical activities

• Researches trends in the retail sector and identify opportunities for new products.
• Creates original designs by interpreting trends and fashions.
• Provides solutions that are differentiated from the market status quo.
• Liaises with suppliers to source materials and components.
• Oversees the production / sourcing process to ensure that products are made to the required quality standards.
• Collaborates with sales, sourcing and marketing teams.

Synonyms or related job titles

Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Jewelry Designer, Garment Designer

Summary

The Product Design Technical job family provides technical support for the development and implementation of product designs for retail products. This includes providing guidance on design specifications, researching and sourcing materials, and working with vendors to ensure products meet quality standards. 

Job holders support the creation of prototypes and the testing of products to ensure they meet customer needs. They are also responsible for ensuring that there is timely development and commercialization of all of the business’ new products.

Typical activities

• Translates design ideas and concepts into prototypes.
• Works closely with other departments to achieve product goals.
• Determines and documents technical specifications.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the business’ quality standards.

Synonyms or related job titles

Commercial Designer, Industrial Designer

Summary

The Store Cashier / Checkout job family is responsible for providing excellent customer service at the point of sale in retail stores. 

Job holders operate cash registers, scan merchandise, and process payments. They also handle customer returns and exchanges. They ensure that customers have a positive shopping experience and that the store’s transactions are processed accurately and efficiently. They may also issue refunds and exchanges. 

Typical activities

• Receives and records funds from customers.
• Captures various pricing and product information using their scanner and register.
• Counts money and issues change where necessary.
• May process credit or debit card transactions and validate checks.
• Handles returns and exchanges.

Synonyms or related job titles

Cashier, Ticket Clerk, Checkout Operator, Service Station Cashier, Service Station Console Operator, Store Cashier, Ticket Issuing Clerk

Summary

The Store Department Management job family is responsible for the overall management of a retail store's specialized department such as Beauty / Fragrance, Brown Goods, Electrical Goods, Grocery, Sports Equipment, Toys, White Goods.

Job holders play a key role in ensuring that customers are satisfied with their shopping experience. They make sure that the work being done in that department is in line with the business’ goals and values, and they work to reach goals and targets for areas like sales and inventory.

Typical activities

• Manages and oversees the daily operations of a department in a retail store.
• Ensures the store's department runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Coordinates and schedules the work of store department employees.
• Maintains inventory levels and stocking shelves.
• Ensures the store department is clean and presentable.
• Handles customer inquiries and complaints.
• Manages employees working in a certain department.
• Maximizes sales and profit of their department.
• Supervises and trains new staff in that department.
• Ensures department is meeting inventory and sales goals.

Synonyms or related job titles

Store Department Manager, Assistant Store Manager

Summary

The Store Management job family is responsible for the overall operation of a retail store. This includes supervising employees, managing inventory, and providing customer service. 

Job holders ensure the smooth and efficient running of individual stores. They support the hiring and training of new employees. They must also develop employee schedules and maintain store inventory. Additionally, they are in charge of creating promotional displays, ordering store supplies, processing customer transactions, resolving customer complaints, maintaining store cleanliness, and enforcing store policies and procedures.

Core Duties

• Manages the daily operation of the store.
• Implements relevant merchandising and financial management.
• Provides direction to store co-management and department management.
• Improves department performance and conditions.

Synonyms or related job titles

Store Manager

Summary

The retail Store Operations job family consists of positions that are directly involved in the day to day running of the store, helping to optimize the performance and profitability of the store.

Job holders handle tasks like pricing and marketing, implement new products and deal with remodels of the store when necessary. They also maintain the relevant records and reports for inventory control.

Typical activities

• Develops and oversees execution of store operational plans and staffing schedules.
• Ensures optimal efficiency in stores by maintaining store standards and protecting store assets.
• Handles pricing and marketing of merchandise.
• Monitors and maintains the stockroom and arrange for items to be restocked.
• Processes customer transactions  and resolves customer complaints
• Ensures store premises are well-maintained and presentable at all times.

Synonyms or related job titles

Store Inventory Manager, Store Operations Manager, Store Planning Manager, Store Maintenance Manager

Summary

The Store Sales job family includes all positions responsible for selling merchandise to customers in a retail setting. This may include working in a store, at a kiosk, or other location where merchandise is sold.

Job holders are responsible for providing customer service, stocking shelves, conducting price checks, or other sales duties as needed. They are required to have an extensive knowledge of the offerings of the store and perform site level support functions such as assisting in store stocking and inventory management as well as providing general customer service.

Typical activities

• Greets customers as they enter the store and provides them with assistance.
• Provides customers with information about store products and services.
• Develops and promotes store loyalty programs.
• Assists with online orders for products not available in store.
• Performs day to day operations like cashiering and loss prevention.
• Leads and motivates the sales team, develops marketing plans, and ensures the store meets its sales goals.

Synonyms or related job titles

Sales Assistant, Shop Supervisor, Checkout Supervisor, Salesperson, Shop Assistant

Summary

The Storeroom job family consists of positions that are responsible for the receipt, storage, and distribution of materials and supplies. This includes stocking shelves, organizing merchandise, and keeping the area clean and tidy. 

Job holders are involved in the general maintenance of pre-approved inventory and stock levels out on the shop floor. They help to check deliveries in and count the merchandise received, and ensure the merchandise goes to the right place. They ensure the proper coding of inventory is carried out, and check the quantities stored.

Typical activities

• Receives and unloads incoming inventory.
• Inspects and verifies accuracy of incoming inventory.
• Stocks shelves and maintains organization in storeroom.
• Maintains inventory levels on store shelves.
• Picks and fills customer orders from storeroom.
• Cycles count inventory and maintains accurate records.
• Packs and ships orders as needed.
• Participates in periodic inventory audits.

Synonyms or related job titles

Storeroom Clerk

Please match in this collective family all specialized Retail jobs that cannot be assigned to one of the above-mentioned families. Competencies from the parent family will be shown. A selection of parent family-specific Benchmark Job Matches is available and can be selected manually. The availability of benchmark job matches depends on the survey vendor chosen.