Arnie Sherr April 18, 2011 The Resume Store’s “Get-A-Job” Blog
First, permit me to describe the variety of employment opportunity that is available at local department stores. When I refer to “department” stores, I am not including discount mass merchandisers like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Costco and Target. I am, however, speaking of stores like Macy’s, Sears, Penney’s and the like.
Most, when thinking about opportunity in retail picture jobs that pay a slimmer above minimum wage. Such perceptions are of sales associates who are responsible for everything from sales and cashiering to receiving to stocking and cleaning bathrooms and more. The perception is real, but it is not characteristic of department store employment. Where those requirements exist is in working for multi-unit retailers like Sunglass Hut, Nautica, Men’s Warehouse, CVS and others that do not fit the department or mass merchandiser profiles.
Factually, department stores hold great respect for specialized personnel. They, because of their square footage and diversity of employees, separate responsibilities into categories. They employ people to work only in receiving and shipping, and to stock merchandise. They hire sales associates whose main function is to sell and see that merchandise displays are organized and displayed according to plan. True it is that at times sales associates are required to take part in departmental sets and resets. After all, helping permits them to become familiar with new and existing products and to know where everything is located.
Within department stores, there are departments that operate under a license or contract. That is to say, they do business under the stores name while owned by an outside entity. Cosmetic departments, generally owned and managed by manufacturers are exclusive with respect to sales areas. In stores like Sears, contractors for siding and windows, plumbing, roofing and HVAC operate under licenses or contracts for which they may pay a large up-front investment and after a percentage of sales.
In Dallas, TX, there existed a company by the name of America Remodeling or AMRE. A national retailer of residential siding, they operated under the name of Sears Siding. It is astounding how much more consumers are willing to pay for work that is available for significantly less simply because of the Sears guarantee of satisfaction. It is true; seniors, more than any group since appreciate the integrity of the Sears guarantee. Most seniors recall when Sears unveiled their new and unheard-of customer service campaign. In fact, Sears invented the “Satisfaction Guaranteed” slogan. Whether or not this act of retail courage is good in the end is a matter of opinion. Since it was a remarkable success, other major retailers of the day, joined in with their own no-questions-asked return policies. It took a few years but now most legitimately priced retailers offer similar guarantees. As Sears led this revolutionary customer service campaign, they for years hence profited above all others. Only of the past decade or three has Sears realized that it is the youth who hold in their wallets the futures of many historically successful retailers. Retailers like Woolco and Woolworth are no longer. Zayre and Gemco/Menco are but a memory. Peoples Drug Stores, SunRay and other drug retail chains have yielded to mega retailers like Walgreens and CVS, Eckerd a memory as well.
When clients visit to discuss resume needs, they often grimace when I suggest working for a retailer such a Sears. It seems most think the only job Sears offers is that of sales associate. After explaining the variety of professional opportunity that “department” stores offer, suddenly eyes open and faces smile anticipating the better of words to come.
Here is a comprehensive list of jobs that is common in all department stores. Do any fall within your scope of interest and skill-set; Whodathunkit?
Operations Manager
Responsible for a variety of practices, operations managers are retail industry trained and experienced. They are accountable for numerous functions relating to employees and company profitability. Management skills and creativity are necessary for success in these occupations.
District Manager
Commonly employed by large companies, district managers oversee a number of stores within a given district or geographic area. They generally oversee departments such as merchandising, payroll, and displays. Candidates must be highly organized and able to work in a variety of environments. Relocation may be required.
Regional Manager
Accountable for the performance of multiple districts, regional managers maintain records and ensure compliance with company policies throughout a number of facilities. These associates need to have the ability to multitask and possess excellent analytical skills. They must creatively design and implement specific marketing and advertising promotions to increase company success.
General Manager/Store Manager
Often responsible for all operations in an entire store, general or store managers oversee financial, marketing, sales, planning, and professional aspects of an organization. They work directly with subordinate and superior associates to ensure optimal efficiency and business. Their main concern is often facility profits and losses, and they must attempt to increase company profitability. All employees in a facility report directly to these professionals.
Department Manager
Large facilities often employ department managers to oversee all merchandising within a specific area or department of a store. They are also in charge of staffing, training, scheduling, and assigning duties to employees, and may be responsible for specific areas such as sporting goods, grocery, bakery, clothing, shoes, etc. Formal education and retail experience are common prerequisites for these positions.
Director of Compliance
Responsible for maintaining existing controls and continually developing new ones, the director of compliance ensures all practices meet company policies and government regulations. They must be capable of effectively communicating with managers, scheduling audits, and increasing company profits.
Display Manager
For advertising and aesthetic purposes, display managers design and oversee the production of window and internal product displays. They may work with a number of associates for assistance in obtaining and building props for each display. They must consider the materials that will be necessary and lighting that will best emphasize the product(s). They may sketch or prepare detailed floor plans of each design, allowing employees to construct a scale and ensure the best presentation.
Distribution Warehouse Manager
Within wholesale and retail distribution centers, DWMs coordinate and oversee all daily activities. They review orders and invoices, ensuring that proper goods are ready for loading and shipping. They develop or maintain procedures, which allow company organization, and the ability to perform. They must sustain a constant inventory and record all sales and/or receipts in order to keep all records up to date.
Import/Export Manager
Import and export managers oversee operations associated with the sending or receiving of goods and products. They not only maintain necessary documents, but also ensure compliance with government regulations. They handle a number of negotiations and ensure goods are received as promised and that necessary paperwork accompanies each. Education and experience is needed for these positions.
Marketing Manager
In an attempt to increase business and overall company profitability, marketing managers initiate a number of programs. They assist with creating specific goals, as well as the planning and overseeing of all marketing promotions within a facility. Professionals must carefully analyze markets, trends, and conduct immense research in order to make educated plans. They are concerned with establishing or maintaining an overall company image.
Marketing Specialist
Responsible for promoting company products to consumers, businesses, or other facilities, marketing specialists carry out a number of duties. They use multiple advertising techniques and methods to promote necessary goods. Professionals may travel to promote their products, but they must carefully study market trends to ensure optimal sales.
Merchandise Manager
Merchandise managers are responsible for coordinating and maintaining merchandising activities. They must consider budgets, rate of stock turnover, and profit goals when determining mark up/down for merchandise. By analyzing a number of factors and working with marketing associates, they determine the inventory retained, and make necessary recommendations to purchasing agents.
Merchandise Analyst/Planner
Working jointly with merchandise managers; analysts or planners conduct large amounts of research, carefully analyzing recent and historical trends to ensure proper management of goods. They work together to make sure the correct merchandise is on hand for specific promotions, and to meet seasonal demands.
Merchandise Displayer
Responsible for the visual promotion of goods, merchandise displayers work directly with management to coordinate an effective display of goods. A great deal of creativity and knowledge of current trends is required. They may be in charge of window displays or entire floor plans. They generally work from detailed plans, and must ensure final products are in scale and fit the desired outcome.
Project Manager
When facilities require remodeling or renovation, organizations employ project managers in order to oversee the entire project. They use years of experience to properly format and develop plans to best utilize space and create unique structures. They work together with a number of engineers to ensure quality of a finished project.
Purchasing Manager
To ensure facilities proper stock, purchasing managers work closely with marketing and merchandising teams to coordinate the ordering of needed products. They must maintain excellent vendor relations, complete all paperwork, and direct daily activities. Professionals must commonly obtain formal education in combination with retail industry experience for these occupations.
Purchasing Director
Directors of Purchasing oversee all activities of the purchasing managers. They evaluate all orders and work together to ensure the best selection and quantities will be on hand. Professionals determine the styles or varieties for stock, negotiate prices, and oversee daily functions. Exceptional organizational and management skills needed for success within these positions.
Assistant Manager
In accordance to company policies, assistant managers oversee the operations of a facility under the direction of store or general managers. With the help of specific department managers, they hire, train, and oversee associates. They will maintain specific reports, and deliver information as needed to their superiors. They also ensure all received goods are properly processed and delivered to the sales floor in a timely manner.
Cashier Supervisor
Often responsible for numerous employees, cashier supervisors oversee the intake and dispersing of funds throughout daily activities. They often manage return or exchange procedures and are accountable for the accuracy and knowledge of cashiers; therefore, they must properly train and manage employees at all times. They run balances, check the work of others to ensure all records are complete and accurate, and prepare or deliver daily deposits.
Buyer
With duties often very similar to or in coordination with purchasing professionals, buyers place inventory orders and handle any necessary price negotiations. They will commonly visit promotional events such as trade shows or showrooms to gather ideas or make business contacts for future purchases. Depending on the size of the organization, they will order direct or determine the amount of goods used by each facility.
Compliance Analyst
In the event that complaints arise, compliance analysts are enlisted to ensure resolution in accordance with company and governmental policies. They must research the incident, gather and obtain any pertinent documents, and submit information to a legal or personnel department in order to resolve the issue. To avoid litigation, they develop legal procedures with which to manage the business.
Gemologist
Within jewelry retailers, gemologists are employed to determine whether stones are man-made or natural, appraise the value, and determine the weight, and quality of different stone types. Conditions generally vary by employing facility, but work is often tedious and detail oriented. Candidates must undergo a large amount of training in order to become a qualified gemologist.
Personal Shopper
Whether employed for shopping with individuals or purchasing an individual’s needed goods alone, personal shoppers assist with the purchasing of numerous items. They may work for individuals or organizations, but generally to assist families, the elderly, and very busy or wealthy individuals. Personal shoppers may also work for a specific boutique or department store, but all purchases made meet individual or company requirements. Professionals may be required to purchase gifts, and will commonly wrap or create elaborate presentations for such items.
Sales Associate/Cashier/Clerk/Customer Service
The most common of retail occupations, sales associates increase company sales, while meeting customer needs and that they enjoy their shopping experience. Duties may include basic cleaning, organizing, stocking, sales, or register operation. Due to the vast responsibilities associated with these occupations, candidates must be flexible.
Trainer
Usually employed in personnel departments, trainers are responsible for not only ensuring newly hired candidates receive necessary knowledge of their position and company policies, but also maintaining current skills in existing employees. Professionals must be continually seeking new development methods that can increase overall company performance.
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