Overview

A retail branch manager oversees the daily operations of a retail store including inventory, personnel, sales, and finances.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Handle merchandising, budgeting, credit control, accounting, inventory and expense control
• Employ, train, develop, supervise and terminate personnel in a retail location 
• Provide quality service within acceptable productivity ratios
• Direct and perform fieldwork, including selling, and building good will
• Comply with all government regulations to maintain a minimal level of liability for the retail location.  Examples:  OSHA Wage and Hour Law, EEO, Sales Tax, etc.
• Operate the business for adequate return on investment to keep it financially sound
• Responsible and accountable for all environmental and safety compliance at retail locations
• Maintain good relations with local civic leaders, patrons and board, keep the company image at a very high level in the community
• Supervise truck and equipment maintenance, routes, degree-day systems, use of loaned equipment, which requires climbing, crawling on and around equipment being inspected
• Handle all complaints promptly and thoroughly
• Responsible for budget compliance
• Responsible for management of branch merchandise
• Build relationships with suppliers and customers

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in agriculture business, or marketing is preferred. Depending on the nature of the retail store, animal, horticulture, crop science or soil science could also be sufficient.

To pursue a career as a retail branch manager:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, mathematics, business courses and computer courses.

Where can I work?

Agriculture retail stores can be independently owned and operated or they can be company stores allowing a retail branch manager to be employed by chain for retail stores or within a privately held company or self-employed.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The job outlook for a branch retail manager will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Agriculture Retailer’s Association
• National Agri-Marketing Association