Retail Account Manager in Kansas Career Overview
As a Retail Account Manager, you play a vital role within the retail sector, acting as a bridge between your organization and its clients. This position requires a focus on fostering relationships with key accounts, ensuring these clients receive the support they need to achieve their business goals.
Key aspects of the Retail Account Manager role include:
Relationship Building: You establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients. Effective communication and understanding of client needs are central to your efforts.
Account Management: You manage various client accounts, keeping track of their performance, addressing issues proactively, and identifying opportunities for growth.
Sales Strategy Development: You collaborate with internal teams to devise strategies aimed at increasing sales within your accounts. This may involve analyzing market trends and competitor activities to better align your offerings.
Problem Solving: You address and resolve any challenges faced by clients, providing solutions that align with their expectations and your company’s capabilities.
Reporting and Analysis: Regularly, you analyze account performance data, preparing reports that inform stakeholders about trends and areas requiring attention.
Your role is essential in driving retail business success, ensuring that customer satisfaction and retention are high, which in turn supports overall sales goals and company growth.
Retail Account Manager Salary in Kansas
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Retail Account Manager in Kansas
To become a Retail Account Manager, you typically need a background in business or retail management. Consider pursuing one of the following degree programs:
Agribusiness Operations: This program focuses on the business aspects of agricultural products and supply chains, equipping you with skills relevant to retail operations in the agribusiness sector.
Business Administration and Management: A comprehensive program that covers various business principles and practices, providing a solid foundation for understanding organizational behavior and strategic decision-making in retail.
Consumer Retail Management: This degree emphasizes the consumer perspective and retail practices, preparing you for managing retail accounts effectively by understanding consumer behavior and market trends.
General Merchandising: This program offers training in procurement, merchandising strategies, and visual display techniques, which are essential for effectively managing retail accounts.
Sales and Related Marketing Operations: This curriculum focuses on sales strategies and marketing techniques, giving you valuable insights into managing relationships with clients and enhancing retail performance.
Retail Management: This degree program is specifically designed to address the operational challenges in retail environments, covering topics such as inventory management, customer service, and retail marketing strategies.
In addition to completing one of these degree programs, consider internships or cooperative education experiences related to retail management to gain practical knowledge in the field.
Best Schools to become a Retail Account Manager in Kansas 2024
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Southern New Hampshire University
Western Governors University
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Grand Canyon University
Liberty University
- Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
Retail Account Manager Required Skills and Competencies in Kansas
Communication Skills: You need to convey ideas clearly and effectively, whether in writing or verbally. Active listening is essential to understand your clients' needs and foster strong relationships.
Customer Relationship Management: Building and maintaining relationships with clients is vital. You should be adept at managing customer satisfaction and loyalty through strategic interactions and support.
Analytical Skills: Your ability to analyze sales data, account performance, and market trends will enable you to make informed decisions and craft effective strategies.
Negotiation Skills: You must be skilled in negotiating terms and agreements that are beneficial for both the company and the client, ensuring win-win outcomes.
Problem-Solving Skills: You will encounter challenges that require you to be resourceful and practical. Your capacity to devise solutions quickly will be key to maintaining client trust.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills are important for managing multiple accounts and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Sales Acumen: A solid understanding of sales principles and techniques will help you identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling to enhance account value.
Adaptability: The retail environment can be dynamic. Your ability to adapt to changes and pivot strategies will allow you to remain effective and meet evolving client needs.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software and data analysis tools will help you track performance and manage accounts efficiently.
Team Collaboration: You should be able to work effectively with internal teams such as sales, marketing, and supply chain to align strategies and ensure a cohesive approach to client management.
Attention to Detail: The ability to focus on the finer details of account management will help prevent errors and enhance the overall service you provide to clients.
Time Management: You need to prioritize tasks effectively and manage your time well to handle the demands of multiple accounts while maintaining high service standards.
Job Duties for Retail Account Managers
Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.
Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Microsoft Access
Point of sale POS software
- Plexis Software Plexis POS
- TokenWorks Magnetic Card Reader
Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Talking to others
Social
- Looking for ways to help people
- Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior
Job Market and Opportunities for Retail Account Manager in Kansas
The job market for Retail Account Managers in Kansas is characterized by several key factors influencing demand and growth potential:
Increasing Retail Sector Growth: Kansas has been experiencing growth in its retail sector, driven by both brick-and-mortar establishments and e-commerce. This expansion leads to a rising demand for professionals who can manage relationships and accounts effectively.
Diverse Retail Environments: Kansas hosts a mixture of retail environments, including large departmental stores, specialty shops, and online retailers. This diversity creates various opportunities for Retail Account Managers to find roles that match their interests and expertise.
Business Expansion and Development: As businesses continue to expand, particularly in urban areas like Kansas City and Wichita, there is a corresponding need for Retail Account Managers to handle new accounts and improve existing ones. Companies often seek to enhance competitiveness and customer satisfaction, necessitating skilled managers.
Geographical Hotspots: Major cities such as Wichita, Overland Park, and Topeka are notable hotspots for retail activity. These urban centers provide a concentration of retail operations, leading to increased job listings for Retail Account Managers. Additionally, the surrounding suburbs and smaller towns also present opportunities as retailers seek to grow their market presence.
Regional Economic Factors: Various initiatives to bolster the local economy may further drive growth in the retail sector. Investments in infrastructure and community development increase the viability of retail businesses, thus enriching the job market for professionals in this field.
Networking and Career Advancement: Kansas has a robust network of industry associations and professional groups dedicated to retail. These organizations can offer valuable networking opportunities, which can lead to job openings and career advancement prospects for Retail Account Managers.
The retail landscape in Kansas continues to evolve, presenting numerous opportunities for those looking to establish or advance their careers as Retail Account Managers within an expanding market.
Top Related Careers to Retail Account Manager 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Retail Account Manager in Kansas
National Retail Federation (NRF)
Access market research, industry trends, and educational resources tailored for retail professionals.
Website: nrf.comRetail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)
A resource for best practices in retail management, advocacy, and networking opportunities within the retail sector.
Website: rila.orgAmerican Management Association (AMA)
Offers workshops, webinars, and resources focusing on management development that can enhance your skills as a Retail Account Manager.
Website: amanet.orgLinkedIn Learning
Provides a variety of online courses on retail management, sales strategies, customer relationship management, and account management skills.
Website: linkedin.com/learningRetail Minded
A digital publication dedicated to independent retailers and those involved in retail management, offering insights into trends and strategies in the retail sector.
Website: retailminded.comHarvard Business Review
Articles and case studies relevant to managing customer relationships and accounts, including insights on negotiation and leadership.
Website: hbr.orgBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Explore detailed information on job outlook, salary statistics, and employment trends for retail managers, including Retail Account Managers.
Website: bls.gov/oohK-State University’s Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement
Offers resources and case studies specifically for retail businesses in Kansas, providing insights into local market dynamics.
Website: k-state.eduRetail Council of Canada
Though Canadian-focused, this resource offers valuable insights into retail economics, trends, and consumer behavior that can be relevant to managers in the US market.
Website: retailcouncil.orgBooks
- "Retail Management: A Strategic Approach" by Barry R. Berman and Joel R. Evans
- "The New Science of Retailing: How Analytics are Reshaping the Supply Chain and Improving Performance" by Marshall L. Fisher and Ananth Raman
Access these at your local library or bookstores for in-depth knowledge in retail management practices.
Utilizing these resources can enhance your understanding of the Retail Account Manager role and provide continual learning opportunities to advance your career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Retail Account Manager in Kansas
What does a Retail Account Manager do?
A Retail Account Manager is responsible for managing relationships with retail clients, developing strategies to increase sales, coordinating marketing efforts, and ensuring customer satisfaction. They also analyze market trends and client needs to provide tailored support.What skills are essential for a Retail Account Manager?
Key skills include excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, strong analytical skills, adeptness at problem-solving, business acumen, and proficiency in sales techniques. Familiarity with CRM software and data analysis tools is also beneficial.What is the typical educational background for this position?
Most Retail Account Managers hold a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field. Relevant experience in retail or sales can also be valuable, regardless of formal education.Is prior experience in retail necessary to become a Retail Account Manager?
While not always mandatory, prior experience in retail sales or account management is highly beneficial. It provides essential insights into the industry and enhances your understanding of client needs and market dynamics.What are the primary challenges faced by Retail Account Managers?
Challenges can include managing multiple accounts, meeting sales targets, adapting to market changes, and addressing client concerns promptly. Building strong relationships and maintaining client trust are also critical components of the role.What is the career progression for a Retail Account Manager?
Retail Account Managers can advance to senior management positions, such as Regional Sales Manager or Director of Sales. Continuous professional development through training and networking opportunities can facilitate this progression.How does one measure success as a Retail Account Manager?
Success is typically measured through sales growth, client retention rates, customer satisfaction scores, and the achievement of specific sales targets or KPIs set by the organization.What industries employ Retail Account Managers?
Retail Account Managers are found in various industries, including consumer goods, fashion, electronics, and food and beverage. Any sector that relies on retail outlets for distribution may require this role.What are the working hours like for a Retail Account Manager?
Working hours can vary widely, often including evenings and weekends, especially to accommodate client schedules and retail hours. Flexibility is often necessary, depending on the clients you manage.What salary can one expect as a Retail Account Manager in Kansas?
Salaries can vary based on experience, company size, and location within Kansas, but the average salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, with potential bonuses based on performance.