Wholesale

Strong competition, changing customer trends and new methods of shopping are all contributing to the changing face of retail. Currently the industry employs around a tenth of the entire British workforce and is worth an estimated £265 billion. This figure is expected to reach over £3 billion in the next two years.

Designed to maximise branch profit, as well as customer satisfaction, retail wholesale jobs play a key role in the industry's overall growth.

What do wholesale jobs involve?

Retail wholesale is an umbrella term encompassing a broad spectrum of roles, from sales and merchandising to imports and exports. In most cases, wholesale jobs involve the purchase of goods in bulk from manufacturers, which are then sold on in similar quantities to retailers, who in turn sell them on to the public.

Retail wholesale jobs are commercially driven and as such there is pressure to perform. Tasks can involve everything from overseeing the manufacture of goods to the release of products into retail circulation.

Wholesale jobs, such as working in a cash-and-carry warehouse, are very hands on and include responsibilities such as accounting for sales, losses and the overall quality of stock. There are plenty of opportunities outside of the store environment, too. These include management posts dedicated to a particular area or region, as well as head office roles.

Retail wholesale operations exist right across the UK and abroad. There are travel opportunities, especially for skilled staff.

The current climate

Wholesale jobs play an important part in the supply sector that keeps retail businesses going. So it's no surprise that opportunities in retail wholesale are expected to remain stable throughout the economic downturn.

If you're considering a retail wholesale job, you needn't worry about the current climate. In the right organisation and with the right skill-set for wholesale jobs, you can play an invaluable role in helping the firm thrive in the recession, leading to real opportunities for career progression.

What will employers look for?

Wholesale jobs are open to anyone, but a degree in a relevant subject such as business management, supply chain management or accounting and finance will stand you in good stead. However, graduate wholesale jobs are few and far between as these professionals tend to start their career in sales administration.

Good planning and organisational skills plus the ability to communicate and negotiate are a must in retail wholesale jobs. Employers will focus on candidates that demonstrate the right set of personal skills and can think on their feet. Sound experience in a wholesale or retail head office environment is a great way to get started in a career in retail wholesale.

At RetailChoice.com, you'll find loads of wholesale jobs to get you started. Search by location or keyword to find the latest retail wholesale opportunities, or upload your CV and wait for them to come to you.