The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Experienced Store Manager/Assistant Manager
2-4 years in store managementSkills to master
- Deep understanding of day-to-day store challenges, staff management, basic P&L awareness, customer service excellence, and problem-solving under pressure.
You're ready to move on when
- You've consistently hit sales and operational targets in your store.
- You're known for finding clever ways to make store processes more efficient.
- You've trained and mentored junior staff effectively.
- You're keen to solve problems at a broader, multi-store level.
- 2
Operations Coordinator (Entry Level)
2-3 years as an Operations Coordinator (L1)Skills to master
- Mastery of basic operational tasks, strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to problem identification.
You're ready to move on when
- You consistently deliver assigned tasks accurately and on time.
- You're already spotting inefficiencies and suggesting improvements.
- You've taken initiative to learn more about our systems and processes.
- Your manager relies on you to help onboard new team members.
- 3
Supply Chain/Logistics Analyst (Entry Level)
2-3 years in a supply chain or logistics support roleSkills to master
- Understanding of inventory flow, logistics processes, data analysis, and vendor management. You'll need to learn the retail-specific nuances.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully managed inventory for a specific product category.
- You're skilled at analysing logistics data to find efficiencies.
- You're eager to apply your supply chain knowledge directly to a retail environment.
- You've demonstrated strong problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.