Managers and directors in retail and wholesale Pay Data UK — 2025

Managers and directors in retail and wholesale roles in the UK earn a median of £37,414 per year, equivalent to £17.98 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 2.0% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £30,221 to £54,741 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Managers and directors in retail and wholesale roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Managers and directors in retail and wholesale

Retail and wholesale managers and directors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the operations of major retail and wholesale establishments in order to maximise business performance and meet financial goals.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• appoints staff, assigns tasks and monitors and reviews staff performance
• liaises with other staff to provide information about merchandise, special promotions etc. to customers
• ensures that adequate reserves of merchandise are held and that stock keeping is carried out efficiently
• ensures customer complaints and queries regarding sales and service are appropriately handled
• oversees the maintenance of financial and other records and controls security arrangements for the premises
• authorises payment for supplies received and decides on vending price, discount rates and credit terms
• examines quality of merchandise and ensures that effective use is made of advertising and display facilities

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entry requirements vary from company to company. Entrants may possess GCSEs/S grades, A levels/H grades, GNVQs/GSVQs, a BTEC/SQA award, a degree or equivalent qualification. Entry is also possible through promotion after gaining sufficient experience. NVQs/SVQs in Retail Operations are available at level 4.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.