Question 1

What does a retail assistant manager do?

Accepted Answer

A retail assistant manager supports the store manager in running all aspects of store operations. They oversee daily activities, manage staff, handle customer escalations, and step into the store manager role when required. This position is a key leadership role preparing future store managers under the General Retail Industry Award.

Question 2

What award classification applies to assistant managers?

Accepted Answer

Retail assistant managers typically fall under Level 5-7 of the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004), depending on the scope of responsibilities, store size and level of autonomy. These classifications reflect significant supervisory responsibility and involvement in management decisions. See our Retail Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 3

What is the difference between an assistant manager and store manager?

Accepted Answer

A store manager has ultimate accountability for store performance, P&L and strategic decisions. An assistant manager supports these functions, often managing specific operational areas, handling day-to-day staff issues and stepping in during the store manager's absence. Assistant managers typically have less autonomy in major decisions.

Question 4

How many hours do assistant managers typically work?

Accepted Answer

Retail assistant managers usually work full-time hours (38 hours per week) but often work additional hours during peak periods. The role typically requires flexibility across trading hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays to ensure management coverage across operating hours.

Question 5

What qualifications do retail assistant managers need?

Accepted Answer

Assistant managers need proven retail experience with supervisory or team leadership background. While formal qualifications aren't mandatory, Certificate IV in Retail Management is valuable. Key requirements include demonstrated leadership skills, commercial awareness, customer service excellence and ability to manage staff rostering and performance.

Question 6

Can I promote a supervisor to assistant manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, internal promotion is common. Look for supervisors who demonstrate initiative, commercial thinking, staff development capability and the ability to handle increased responsibility. Provide training in P&L basics, recruitment processes, HR software and policies, and broader operational management before promotion.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in an assistant manager?

Accepted Answer

Look for 2-4 years retail experience including supervisory roles. Evidence of achieving sales targets, developing team members, handling customer complaints effectively, and understanding of stock management and merchandising. Experience managing rosters and understanding award compliance is important.

Question 8

Do assistant managers need business qualifications?

Accepted Answer

Formal business qualifications aren't required but are beneficial for career progression. Certificate IV or Diploma in Retail Management, Business or Leadership demonstrates commitment to professional development. Many retailers provide internal management development programs for assistant managers.

Question 9

Are assistant managers usually permanent or casual?

Accepted Answer

Retail assistant managers are almost always permanent employees given the senior nature of the role. Full-time employment is most common to ensure consistent management presence. Part-time assistant manager roles exist but are less common and require careful consideration of coverage needs.

Question 10

What should I include in an assistant manager employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and award classification (Level 5-7), salary or hourly rate, reporting structure, key responsibilities, working hours and flexibility expectations, leave entitlements, and performance expectations. Include any keys/alarm responsibilities. Use digital employment contracts for efficiency.

Question 11

What authority does an assistant manager have?

Accepted Answer

Authority levels should be clearly defined. Typically assistant managers can authorise refunds up to a limit, approve roster changes, handle minor disciplinary matters, make merchandising adjustments and manage day-to-day operational decisions. Major decisions around hiring, termination and significant expenditure usually require store manager approval.

Question 12

How do assistant managers support store managers?

Accepted Answer

Assistant managers typically manage specific operational areas (staff, merchandising, stock), handle daily issues to free the store manager for strategic work, cover during absences, and help implement company initiatives. The exact split of responsibilities should be clearly defined between the two roles.

Question 13

Do assistant managers handle staff rostering?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rostering is often a key assistant manager responsibility. They create rosters within wage budgets, manage leave requests, handle shift swaps and ensure adequate coverage. Using rostering software helps assistant managers balance staff availability, compliance and business needs efficiently.

Question 14

How should assistant managers manage labour costs?

Accepted Answer

Assistant managers should understand the store's wage budget and cost-to-sales targets. They need to schedule efficiently based on trading patterns, monitor actual vs budgeted wages, minimise unplanned overtime and use availability management to match staffing to demand.

Question 15

What rostering compliance must assistant managers ensure?

Accepted Answer

Assistant managers must ensure rosters comply with the General Retail Industry Award including: minimum notice periods for roster changes, minimum shift lengths, break entitlements, maximum ordinary hours, and correct application of penalty rates. Training on award requirements is essential for the role.

Question 16

How do assistant managers handle roster disputes?

Accepted Answer

Assistant managers should address roster concerns promptly, review requests against business needs and fairness principles, document changes and communicate clearly with affected staff. Escalate complex disputes or formal grievances to the store manager. Consistent application of policies builds team trust.

Retail assistant manager job description