When I grow up I want to be a . . .
There are a load of job opportunities available in the apparel retailing sector. As the first in a series, Empire Consulting director Renae Quinn profiles the role of a national sales manager and explains how to go about landing a position.
Position overview
As the key driver of sales in a high profile fashion retail business, the national sales manager is responsible for effectively managing a team of area managers ensuring the achievement of company sales, expense and profit budgets at both district and national levels. This is to be achieved through the successful implementation of company strategies combined with regional initiatives. The national sales manager is part of the senior management team and makes a contribution across all levels of the business.
Requirements
To be successful in a sales manager's position you will need to have a strong knowledge of apparel visual merchandising, understand the brand image and what's required to generate interest and therefore sales. You will need well-versed interpersonal skills that, along with coaching and training/facilitation, will be imperative to help you provide the leadership and development of your senior team. You will also need to have business and strategic planning ability to ensure the long-term success of the company.
Experience
To work as a national sales manager you will need to have a proven track record in retail fashion and to have grown your career from the sales floor to store management and then successfully managed multi-site stores to understand the full complexities of role such as this. You will need to be able to balance the daily operations and their impact on annual sales results and have an up-to-date knowledge of changes in market place/fashion trends.
What are companies looking for?
* Minimum five years multi-site management experience
* Management of an executive field team
* Proven track record in retail or similar occupation
* Passion, energy and drive
Remuneration
$90,000 to $150,000 salary package depending on the volume and size of the business.