Associate Store Manager,
Retail Operations,
Bell – Testimonial

The following testimonial is based on an interview conducted with one or more employee(s). This interpretation of their job role reflects their personal opinion and may differ from others' perceptions.

What's it like on the inside?
It's a continuous learning experience. The challenges are daily and there's a constant sense of urgency. You'll need to be on your toes at all times to thrive in this dynamic environment, but if there's one thing that defines Retail Operations, it's team spirit.

What's most satisfying about this job?
As an Associate Sales Manager, you're constantly learning new things. Every day brings something new and you have to be resourceful to beat the challenges. But that's the fun part! As one Associate Sales Manager explains, "I love the behind-the-scenes stuff, mainly inventory and management, as well as dealing with and fixing staff and customer issues. It can all be good, depending on the day!"

What's most challenging about this job?
Starting ten jobs and finishing none. One Associate Sales Manager describes it, "It's extremely difficult to concentrate on one thing because you're always getting pulled away from something you started to go and deal with another issue." So the biggest challenge is to juggle your full-time selling duties with the myriad of other duties that come your way during the day.

What is the key to succeeding in this role?
You absolutely have to be able to multitask. Another bonus is the ability to come up with new and interesting ideas that motivate your sales staff to achieve beyond their objectives. To do that, you have to be able to relate well to your Sales Consultants and gain their respect.

What qualities do potential candidates need and what skills and key lessons will they acquire in this role?
To do this job, it helps a great deal to have a good background in sales. You also have to be able to relate well to others and have a willingness and facility to learn. Another quality we look for is the ability to listen and to stay calm in pressure-filled situations. Rounding out the list are time management skills and interpersonal abilities. Once on the job, you will learn about the financial components of the Bell World store and how to maintain inventory levels, as well as problem-solving and communication skills.

What type of career experiences can lead you to this job and help you succeed in it?
Sales experience is one sure-fire way to succeed. That's the path one Associate Sales Manager followed: "I started as a Sales Consultant and was then promoted to an Assistant Store Manager role." Another followed a slightly different path, "I started as a greeter during Christmas, then moved on to an Administrative position and from there became an ASM." This just goes to show you there are many ways to evolve in the Retail Operations group. But no matter which way you get to your destination, the experiences that will serve you in this role include practical staff management and customer service experience, and familiarity with cash management. Add in some good people skills and you're off and running.

Where could someone in this job go next?
The natural evolution from a position as an Associate Sales Manager is to become a Store Manager. Another good choice is to move into a coaching position.

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