Retail Manager: Retail Store Manager

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to manage the functions of a sustainable retail establishment to achieve the objectives of the business while addressing the expectations of the stakeholders. A qualified learner will be able to: • Manage employees in a retail business. • Manage services and service standards and relations with stakeholders of a retail business. • Manage the stock, supply chain and logistics of a retail business. • Manage the marketing activities of a retail business. • Manage the financial activities of a retail business. • Manage assets and control risks and losses in a retail business. Retail Managers (Retail Store Managers) are facing an increasingly complex operating environment and have to manage a very diverse set of factors. These include increased legislative and regulatory requirements, higher standards, increasingly assertive customers, threats such as fraud, shrinkage and theft, health and safety issues, management of more complex supply chains and the usual complexities of managing people, processes and financial sustainability. This qualification describes the knowledge, practical skills and exposure to retail store processes required to ensure that learners have a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the retail business.

This qualification is designed to enhance the professionalism and productivity of those who are responsible for managing a retail outlet. These managers have full responsibility for all aspects of the business including setting strategy and developing or revising policy. They may own the retail establishment or report directly to the owners or shareholders. Such Retail Manager (Retail Store Managers) have a higher level of responsibility than chain store managers who manage retail operations within a defined corporate environment and implement pre-determined strategy and policy. Retail establishments vary from fuel filling stations to independent supermarkets, hardware stores and furniture stores, and could be situated in urban or in rural areas. Typical learners would be graduates with retail management Diplomas from Universities or Universities of Technology who are entering the industry and will be employed as interns, or school leavers who have been employed as learner managers. The learning pathway includes, at the lowest level, qualifications for shop keepers, then chain store managers and finally Retail Manager (Retail Store Managers). The qualification defines and structures what has previously been largely an informal process. This ensures that qualifying learners will have undergone learning which is broad enough to encompass all critical aspects of retailing while at the same time being fit-for purpose. Customers will enjoy higher levels of customer service, health, safety and security.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the integrated assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by appropriate proof of evidence. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Admission to the Qualification: A NQF Level 4 qualification which may be obtained through a process of RPL.

1. The ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders using a variety of communication tools. 2. The ability to analyse and interpret financial information and develop an action plan to address possible shortcomings. 3. The ability to manage employee performance to achieve specific objectives in a retail environment. 4. The ability to manage all aspects of the retail supply chain to achieve specific objectives in a retail environment. 5. The ability to manage all operational aspects of retail stores. Qualification Outcomes: • Manage employees in a retail business (NQF Level 6). • Manage services and service standards and relations with stakeholders of a retail business (NQF Level 6). • Manage the stock, supply chain and logistics of a retail business (NQF Level 6). • Manage the marketing activities of a retail business (NQF Level 6). • Manage the financial activities of a retail business (NQF Level 6). • Manage assets and controlling risks and losses in a retail business (NQF Level 6).