Fair Trade Shop Manager

A Fair Trade Shop Manager manages a business in which products are sold that have been manufactured under Fair Trade premises, and coordinates activities undertaken, with the aim increasing awareness and promoting this type of trade. Foodstuffs are one part of products commercialised under fair trade regulations. As with any other business, the Fair Trade Shop Manager is in charge of finances, carrying out inventories, the maintenance of facilities and the management of staff (fixed or voluntary).

• Carry out inventories and control the stock.
• Place purchase orders to keep the product's stock at an optimal level for sales.
• Plan the window displays and merchandising management in order to attract potential buyers.
• Apply sales techniques.
• Adapt and manage the team under their responsibility, according to sales needs. Usually responsible for voluntary labour such as shop assistants. Thus, shifts must be planned and a database must be maintained in order to accommodate possible leaves. May also be in charge of the permanent labour.
• Establish, organise and supervise daily work schedules.
• Analyse the staff training needs and possibly participate in the related activities.
• Manage the correct storage and rotation of the products, including those in the storeroom and those on display for the public.
• Control the cash management procedures, both the invoicing and the shop's budget.
• Ensure the general maintenance of the shop and contract the necessary related services.
• Inform and educate the customers on the most relevant aspects of fair trade.
• Raise awareness and convey the basic criteria and values of fair trade.
• Plan and carry out promotional activities in the fair trade setting.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Comerç i Màrqueting: Assistència a la investigació de mercats (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Comerç i Màrqueting: Gestió comercial de vendes (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Trade and Marketing - Advanced Level: Trade and Marketing
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Administration and Management - Advanced Level: Administration and Finance
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Trade and Marketing - Advanced Level: Sales and commercial spaces management

Complementary training

Other specific skills

People management: Level 1

Customer orientation: Level 2

Initiative: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 3

Leadership: Level 2

Commitment to the organisation: Level 3

Customer service

Direct and personal interaction with people and relating to the public are highly-motivating activities for individuals who have an interest in the field of customer service. A focus on people and on satisfying customers' needs is key in the occupations included in this field. These jobs entail the need to know suitable techniques for attending to the public and being able to give appropriate service that is tailored to their needs and expectations. Good examples are activities which offer assistance and guidance during functions, trips or at facilities, and those which provide advice in relation to products and services.

Communication

Those who show a preference for the field of communication are interested in the generation and dissemination of information. This information, however, can have various purposes: provide information on events and occurrences, generate public opinion on a certain topic or promote and publicise a service or product. Carrying out these activities requires knowledge of various techniques aimed at communication, persuasion and marketing.

Logistics

The planning, organisation, control and carrying out of logistics and administrative tasks are the focus of people who work in the field of logistics. Activities in the field of logistics include the organisation and planning of supply, storage, production and distribution systems, taking inventories, controlling stock and estimating production, as well as the organisation and/or carrying out of the administrative tasks necessary for the implementation of these activities. Knowledge of organisation, control and management techniques is essential for carrying out these activities.

Section manager

Fair Trade advisor

Wholesale Sales Manager

Tourism product marketing and concept manager

Shop Coordinator

• Work hours

  Full-time, with hours determined by specific sales demands.

• Salary

  Salary range: between 28.559 and 37.466 euros annum gross. Median: 32.712 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Other features

  Often, whether affiliated or independent, a Fair Trade shop not only carries out standard sales transactions, but also becomes an information, education and meeting point for people interested in or with an affinity for this type of trade and related issues (sustainability, human rights, environmental awareness, development, promoting solidarity, etc.). Sometimes the person responsible for running the shop may need to be open to organising activities related to these issues. Most Fair Trade products are bought wholesale from NGOs or specialised importers.

• Professional category

  Middle management

• Human resources and equipment

  A rented or owned premises, appropriate for carrying out this activity will be necessary. In addition to an available budget to undergo all necessary expenses for the adaptation of the establishment (works, decoration, bookcases and furniture, electricity, telephone, etc.); and to fulfill legal requirements (permission to carry out activity, etc.). In addition, you can contract auxiliary sales staff or the search for volunteers.

• Initial investments

  You will need a management system (software and hardware), a mode of communication (telephone and fax), and to rent or purchase premises, pay for the relevant licences, and buy the first lot of products for sale. This activity is provided for in entrepreneurship grants supporting the starting up of small enterprises or grants for promoting trade in specific areas.