How your skills and experience as a retail manager can transfer into a hospitality career with M&B

How your skills and experience as a retail manager can transfer into a hospitality career with M&B

Rachel Weaver our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 23/04/2025

Do you have experience working as a retail manager and looking for a different challenge? Maybe a move to the hospitality industry is just what you’re looking for!

Retail and hospitality management roles have more crossovers than you may think and at M&B we believe that working in different industries such as retail can provide you with a menu of transferrable skills that you can bring to a job with us.

People management, customer service, great communication and teamwork are just some of the key skills you will have acquired as retail manager and will be the skills which make you an ideal candidate for a management job in hospitality!

Want to find out more? Read this blog to discover more about the key transferable skills shared by both retail and hospitality managers alike! 

Leadership

Making sure our guests receive the best service in our restaurants and bars is at the heart of everything we do at M&B, so your knowledge of leading teams by setting the best example will make you the perfect individual for a role as a manager in one of our business’s. 

Being a good leader will be nothing new to those who have worked at management level in a retail setting. Not only can strong leadership motivate your team, it also encourages and supports employees in developing their own skills.

Product Knowledge 

Whether you sell clothes or signature dishes, being passionate about the product you are selling is key to a manager’s success in any business. At M&B we pride ourselves on serving up some of the nation’s favourite dishes from our award-winning steaks cooked to perfection by our Miller and Carter steak experts, to our beloved Toby yorkies, it is easy to become passionate about the love that goes into each and every delicious product we serve our guests.

Teamwork Skills

Teamwork is the key to success, and that is no different for managers alike. Whether you work in retail or hospitality, being able to work together, despite an individual’s background or expectations is a key skill for any manager.

It is no secret that similar to retail, working in a bar or restaurant can at times be demanding and fast paced. Leading your team by example and showing your support is essential to fulfilling your role as a good manager.

Communication Skills

Being able to communicate effectively with employees, guests, and upper management is a hallmark of a good manager. The communication skills which were required of you in your retail role will be an essential skill will enable you to build rapport with guests, resolve conflicts, and create a positive overall guest experience.

Problem-solving

Just like the retail sector, the beauty of working in hospitality is that two days are ever the same!  Although challenging and sometimes unpredictable, your experience as a retail manager will have provided you with the skillset to face those challenges head on! Whether it’s dealing with a customer query, covering an unexpected absence or resolving a team conflict, your experience working as a retail manager will have prepared you to adapt and overcome!

Ready to make the move? Find out what a career with M&B could look like for you

Now you have an insight into how your skills and experience as a retail manager can transfer into a hospitality career with M&B, what are you waiting for? Browse our hospitality management jobs with M&B today.

Want to find out more about what a management role at M&B looks like? Read our blog on the most rewarding things about being a hospitality manager at M&B.

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