Strengthen your management pipeline with confident, capable leaders who deliver results
This apprenticeship integrates the CMI Level 5 Award to advance the skills and expertise of managers and support delivery of commercial results in fast-moving retail environments. The course advances management techniques in recruitment, team development and communication to ensure the smooth running of a store or department.
Apprentices will gain confidence in analysing retail data to make better decisions, from spotting sales trends and forecasting demand to improving stock flow, customer experience and team performance, directly contributing to business growth.
KEY INFORMATION
- Develop confident, data-led commercial retail management capability to drive smarter decision-making
- Build effective people leaders with the skills to motivate and manage high-performing teams with accountability
- Includes Chartered Management Institute Level 5 Award in Management & Leadership
APPRENTICESHIP DETAILS
Our Retail Operations Excellence Manager apprenticeship equips apprentices with management best practice and resource planning knowledge to improve profitability and drive consistently high service levels. Create future-ready leaders capable of driving higher engagement and retention for an inclusive, high-performance culture across retail teams.
- Open cohorts start in February/March and September/October
- Closed cohorts can start at any time
- Hybrid online and in-person sessions at Electra House, with increased flexibility for closed access cohorts
- Practical experience balanced with theoretical learning
Our Level 4 Retail Operations Excellence Manager programme focuses on developing team and project management skills at a higher level to lead departments and stores effectively and efficiently. Apprentices will explore subjects including change management, strategic thinking and resource planning to deepen their understanding of business operations.
Learners will develop the commercial acumen and data analysis skills to support the management of budgets, sales and stock to drive profitability. They will understand the market positioning and regulatory environment of the business, ensuring compliance with both legislation and brand standards.
On graduating, managers will be capable of using technology and data to drive performance, alongside the leadership skills to keep teams engaged with business objectives, while constantly evaluating their personal effectiveness for the benefit of the wider organisation.
The Level 4 Retail Operations Excellence Manager apprenticeship costs £5,000 per learner which includes End-Point Assessment.
Funding
Apprenticeships can be funded from your Apprenticeship Levy or by Government Co-Invest. If you do not pay the Levy, the Government will fund 95% of the programme, meaning you pay as little as £250 per person you enrol. We are also able to offer privately funded places for any employees not eligible for apprenticeship funding. For further information about funding options, eligibility and costs, please contact us.
Cost Includes:
- Bespoke off-the-job learning plan
- Programme Manager overseeing the learner journey and apprentice experience
- Delivery of the programme by retail experts
- Blend of sessions including online learning, webinars, in-person workshops, and individual coaching and support
- Preparation and support for End-Point Assessment
- Dedicated Client Manager
- Access to FRA resources including WGSN, LinkedIn Learning, Global Data, Business of Fashion, Fashion/Beauty Monitor and Drapers
- Online e-Portfolio
- Monthly progress report
Duration: 15 months
The Level 5 Retail Operations Excellence Manager apprenticeship typically takes 15 months to complete, followed by a period of end-point assessment of approximately 3 months.
Open Cohort Intakes
February/March
September/October
Enquire now to secure places for your team
Closed Cohorts
We can begin a closed intake apprenticeship at any time that suits your brand. We require a minimum of 10 learners to offer a closed cohort for Level 5 Operations Manager.
For our closed-access programmes, we can devise a flexible programme and delivery model to support the needs of your business – please get in touch to find out more about the options available.
End-Point Assessment for this programme is delivered by Education For Industry Awards (apprenticeship) and the Chartered Management Institute (Level 5 Award)
Apprenticeship Assessment:
- Two-hour written exam with scenario-based questions
- Presentation of a retail business project
- One-hour professional discussion
CMI Award Assessment:
- Written assignment
1. Leading Business & Brand
Managers will be supported to understand how the business operates within the wider market and regulatory environment, developing a commercial awareness, understanding brand strategy and reputation, and building confidence in decision‑making. They learn how to align everyday actions with business objectives, values and long‑term brand success.
2. Driving Commercial Performance
Managers learn how to improve profitability through better cost control, resource planning and use of financial data, focusing on analysing performance, preventing loss, and making informed commercial decisions. They develop the skills to plan effectively, monitor results and take action to improve overall business performance.
3. Sales, Stocks & Commercial Operations
Managers develop practical skills in managing sales, stock and merchandising across retail operations, gaining confidence in monitoring KPIs, planning promotions, improving selling techniques and managing stock availability. They focus on maximising sales opportunities while maintaining strong operational control.
4. Customer Insights & Marketing
Managers learn how to understand customer behaviours and use insights to shape marketing activity, exploring customer journeys, communication styles and how to engage diverse audiences. They develop the ability to plan marketing activities, tailor messages effectively and improve the customer experience to drive loyalty and sales.
5. Retail Technology & Data
Managers focus on using technology and data to improve retail performance, exploring systems, tools and emerging technologies, enabling them to use data to make better decisions. They learn how to use data to improve efficiency, manage risk, and support sales and operations.
6. Personal & Professional Effectiveness
Managers develop as confident, effective leaders, focusing on personal development, leadership styles, motivating teams and building strong team dynamics, improving communication skills and knowledge sharing, creating engaged teams that consistently deliver results.
CMI Level 5 Award in Management & Leadership Unit 501: Principles of Management and Leadership in an Organisational Context
This unit has been designed for learners who want to develop or sharpen their professional edge and enhance personal effectiveness. Learners will evaluate the impact of an organisation’s structure and governance on management and leadership. They will explore theoretical models, management and leadership styles and approaches designed to promote a culture of mutual trust, respect and support.
They strive to encourage our learners to excel, and I am proud to say we have achieved fantastic apprenticeship results over the past 5 years
Talent Development Team, Harrods