Retail coordinators are professionals who aid in the development of corporate policies that govern each individual retail location associated with the company. To this end, the coordinator often has a great deal of influence when it comes to the establishment of a new location, the hiring and training of personnel to manage and work in that location, and even the stock that is initially carried at the new outlet. The exact scope of responsibility assigned to a retail coordinator will vary, depending on the structure of the retail company, but will usually include a few basic duties in any situation.
In many retail organizations, the retail coordinator is responsible for the hiring, training, and ongoing development of sellers and sales associates. The coordinator normally works closely with managers to identify candidates for employment that meet the basic qualifications, and also possess skills and traits that can be developed for the benefit of the company. Once the hiring process is complete, the coordinator oversees the training of the new hires, as well as the process of evaluating performance over the first ninety days of the new hire’s employment.
A retail coordinator usually works with sellers and associates to identify, establish, and pursue specific goals related to the profitability of the individual store. This can include personal goals for sales figures, goals for the store in general, or even goals related to the creation and execution of a sales campaign for an upcoming season or holiday. As part of this process, the coordinator works with the team to encourage them to succeed, as well as offering guidance that helps to keep the store within the guidelines established by the corporate retailer.
It is not unusual for the retail coordinator to participate in annual and semi-annual reviews of store performance, manager efficiency, and other aspects related to the success of the operation. This usually involves establishing and maintaining relationships with staff that are both professional and cordial. Since the ultimate goal of the coordinator is to ensure the operation is successful and also functioning within the guidelines that apply to all stores affiliated with the retailer, these relationships are important to keeping the lines of communication open.
Depending on the structure of the retailer, a retail coordinator will also work closely with managers above the store level. This can include regional and district managers, buyers for the retail chain, department heads at the corporate headquarters, and corporate level public relations and marketing personnel. In smaller retail companies, the retail coordinator is likely to be responsible for a broader scope of duties, while larger companies are likely to have several coordinators who specialize in specifically designated areas. While some retailers prefer to hire coordinators who possess degrees in marketing, sales, or some form of business administration, others prefer to place an emphasis on practical experience, often selecting and training their coordinators from among their existing employee base.
