Retail Manager at Harrods

Exploring Retail Manager roles at Harrods

If you’re exploring Retail Manager jobs and general management careers within retail, we spoke to several members of our Retail Management team to understand what the role really looks like day to day, and what draws people to build their careers at Harrods.

There’s no single path into Retail Manager roles y people arrive from different parts of the business, different industries, and very different backgrounds. What unites them is a passion for people and doing things to high standards.

Alice joined Harrods seven years ago, following in the footsteps of family members who had worked in the store before her. She began her journey through a recommended friends scheme, starting in Womenswear before progressing into her current Retail Manager role.

“I chose to work at Harrods because when you think about British heritage, instantly you think about Harrods.”

For Alice, the role offers the chance to work with a diverse and dynamic team, leading Sales Associates and helping them grow through everyday coaching and support on the shop floor.

No two days are ever the same for a Retail Store Manager ail Managers are present, visible leaders, balancing people leadership with the pace and unpredictability of the shop floor.

Alice describes the role as varied and fast-moving, involving close collaboration with other Retail Managers while staying connected to teams throughout the day.

“Being a Retail Manager is a super vast and broad role because you get to work with a very diverse and dynamic team. You lead a large number of members of staff and you try to get the best out of them on a daily basis by coaching, being on the shop floor.”

Retail Management careers at Harrods are built on people skills first and foremost. Leadership here means listening and helping others succeed, while keeping the wider business moving forward.

Being present on the shop floor, offering coaching in real time, and working as one with colleagues across departments all form part of doing the role well. Alice highlights the importance of focusing on people while never losing sight of the customer experience.

“In terms of three skills to succeed in the role, the first one would be to be a leader and focus on your people, making sure that they achieve their best  second is to make the business successful, making sure the customer receives the most personalised experience.”

For Emma-Jayne, General Retail Manager for Womenswear and Shoe Heaven, passion is what truly sets great Retail Managers apart. Having started as a Christmas Temp ten years ago, her journey reflects the opportunities available across Retail Management careers at Harrods.

“What I look for in a Retail Manager is passion above anything else. It doesn’t matter about your background, we’re looking for people who are truly inspirational and ready to lead our teams on the shop floor.”

With our culture of internal mobility and learning and development opportunities , there’s always a chance to rise through the ranks. Retail Manager is one example of where that culture can take you. Emma-Jayne describes the role as varied and people-focused, combining commercial responsibility with coaching and development.

“What I love most about the Retail Manager role is that it’s so varied. Most importantly, it’s about your Sales Associates and leading and inspiring that team.”

Rhiannon’s story shows how inclusive Retail Manager roles at Harrods are. She never imagined herself working at Harrods and didn’t follow a traditional academic route, yet seven months into the role she describes it as the best decision she’s made.

“If you can show that you live our employee values and bring in what makes you uniquely you, you will be wonderful here. What I look for in a retail manager is passion above everything else. I think you can see it in someone's eyes when they love being here. I absolutely love my job. I wouldn't change it for the world and I want my team to feel that same energy every single day.”

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