9 Exciting Industries Every Retail Manager Should Explore Now!

In this week's newsletter, I’m going to run through some of the top industries I often see Retail Managers go into, along with the top skills required and the reasons why you should give these industries a real consideration.

I've provided a list of roles within each industry that Retail Managers have successfully transitioned into over the years.

The exciting part is that the majority of these roles align with 70% or more of the skills you've acquired in Retail, making them an excellent fit for you to pursue and secure.

To keep things straightforward, I've provided salary ranges in GBP.

However, if you're joining us from the US or anywhere else around the world, rest assured that most of these roles are prevalent in your country, and a quick Google search will readily provide you with local salary information. 

Non-profit & Charities

Working in a not-for-profit organisation can be a rewarding career change for a Retail Manager. It provides an opportunity to align one's work with a noble cause or mission, allowing for a sense of purpose and social impact that may be lacking in the Retail sector. Lastly, working in the not-for-profit sector can offer a more relaxed work environment, flexible hours, and a chance to make a meaningful difference in the community, which can be personally fulfilling for individuals seeking a change from the often-demanding and fast-paced nature of Retail Management.

Top Skills: Leadership, Management & Customer Service

Types of Roles: Regional Manager (£40k-£60k) Area/Business Manager (£30k- £45k), Programme Director (£45k-£120k), Assurance Manager (£30k-£60k)

Sales and Account Management

Sales and account management roles can provide a more predictable work schedule, often with fewer evening and weekend hours compared to Retail, allowing for a better work-life balance. It can also offer opportunities for career growth, increased stability, and potentially higher earning potential while still involving customer interaction and satisfaction, similar to the retail sector.

Top Skills: Sales, Relationship Building, Communication

Types of Roles: Account Manager (£35k-£70k), Business Development Manager (£35k-£70k)

Marketing and Advertising

To be successful in marketing you need to understand customer preferences, create compelling advertising campaigns, and manage marketing teams. These are all skills acquired in Retail Management. Marketing provides an opportunity for creativity, strategic thinking, and the chance to influence a brand's success. Marketing roles often offer a more structured work environment with potential for higher earning potential, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a change from the demanding and often unpredictable nature of retail management.

Top Skills: Customer Service, Consumer Behaviour, Sales, POS and Management

Types of Roles: Brand Manager (£50k-£90k), E-commerce Manager (£35k-£70k), Product Manager (£45k-£80k), Customer Relationship Manager (£35k-£50k)

Government Administration

Transitioning into government administration can be a rewarding career change for a Retail Manager. Retail managers often possess strong organisational and people management skills, which are valuable in the public sector. Government administration roles offer stability, competitive benefits, and the chance to contribute to the well-being of the community. It provides a change of pace from the often-demanding and fast-paced nature of Retail, with opportunities for career growth and professional development in a more structured work environment.

Top Skills: Leadership, Organisational Skills, Customer Service

Types of Roles: Local (State) Government Management (£70k-£150k), (Federal) Civil Service Positions (£35k-£90k), (State) Policy Advisors and Analysts (£30k-£60k).

Real Estate/Estate Agency

Real Estate/Estate agency offers opportunities for potentially higher earnings, particularly in commission-based positions, and the chance to work in a dynamic and fulfilling field by helping clients find their dream homes.

Top Skills: Sales, Customer Service and Negotiation Skills

Types of Roles: (Real) Estate Agent (£25k-£80k), Branch Manager (£25k-£60k), Property Manager (£30k-£50k)

Recruitment

Unlike Retail, working in recruitment can see you rewarded for the work you put in. Recruitment offers significant opportunities for high commission-based earnings, a structured work environment, and the satisfaction of helping individuals find fulfilling careers, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a shift from the demanding nature of retail management.

Top Skills: Sales, Customer Service and Interpersonal Skills

Types of Roles: Recruitment Consultant (£20k-£50k), Senior Recruitment Consultant (£40k-£80k), Headhunter (£40k-£250k)

Supply Chain and Logistics

The logistics industry offers stable employment, opportunities for career growth, and a chance to work in a dynamic field that plays a critical role in supply chain management. Additionally, it can provide a more structured work environment with regular hours, making it an attractive option for those seeking a change from the often demanding and irregular hours of retail management.

Top Skills: Management, Organisational and Problem-Solving Skills

Types of Roles: Supply Chain Manager (£40k-£70k), Warehouse Manager (£30k-£60k),

Healthcare

The healthcare sector offers a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives, which can be deeply fulfilling. Additionally, job stability and opportunities for career advancement are prevalent in healthcare due to the skills shortages in this sector, making it an attractive option for individuals in search of a more stable and fulfilling career, in contrast to the frequently demanding and uncertain environment of retail management.

Top Skills: Leadership, Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Types of Roles: Healthcare Managers (£30k-£70k), Practice Managers (£35k-£50k), Nursing Home Managers (£40k-£60k), Public Health Managers (£35k-£60k)

Human Resources (HR)

HR provides the chance to impact an organisation's culture, employee satisfaction, and performance, contributing to a fulfilling career path. Additionally, HR positions often offer more structured work hours, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to positively influence workplace dynamics. HR is a broad industry offering you a chance to niche into specific topics whether it’s talent management, learning and development, change management or people management.

Top Skills: People and HR Skills, Leadership and Change Management

Types of Roles: HR Manager (£35k-£60k), HR Generalist (£25k-£50k), Change Manager (£30k-£60k), Learning and Development Manager (£35k-£60k), HR Business Partner (£50k-£90k)

Summary

And there you have it!

9 exciting industries that you really should consider when planning your Retail escape! 

Happy job hunting!

Tom

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Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:  

1. The Job Offer Blueprint: This affordable and comprehensive course will teach you the proven system I used to transform my failed job search. Go from facing online application rejection to securing 1-2 interviews per week with exciting companies. Achieve a better work-life balance without having to compromise your salary. Gain everything you need to start generating results in just 2+ hours.

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