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Cosmetic Manager Duties and Responsibilities

The role of a cosmetic manager may vary from store to store, but there are certain tasks virtually all cosmetic managers must complete on a regular basis. For the most part, cosmetic managers will be expected to perform the following duties:

Manager Others As their name suggests, cosmetic managers are responsible for managing others in the cosmetic store. They often make schedules, resolve employee disputes, order inventory, and provide guidance to their employees.

Assist Customers Often, regular cosmetic workers are unable to fully assist customers. If this occurs, the cosmetic manager may be required to step in and take action. They may help with exchanges, order items that are not in stock, address customer concerns, and help customers find the cosmetics they need.

Recommend Products Cosmetic stores offer a wide variety of skin care, makeup, and sometimes, bath and body products, and it is easy for customers to become overwhelmed. Cosmetic managers may help customers find the right products within their desired price range. They may also offer makeup and skincare tips to customers.

Take Payment Most cosmetic shops have cashiers to take payments, but there will be times when managers will be required to do this. They will accept cash, credit cards, and sometimes checks, and at the end of their shift, they will need to balance the register and store funds in a safe.

Manage Inventory Cosmetic managers must ensure their store remains stocked with the products customers need. They may take inventory on a regular basis and order products that need to be restocked.

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Skills and Qualifications

Cosmetic managers should have a strong love of customer service and the skincare industry. Most stores do not require official licensing or certificates, but most will expect individuals to have some sort of supervisory experience. Candidates who possess the following skills and abilities are preferred:

  • Supervisory Experience – since cosmetic managers are tasked with managing multiple employees, they will need to have supervisory experience of some sort. To assume a managerial role, most retail stores require at least two years of managerial experience
  • Knowledge of Cosmetics – a cosmetic manager should have extensive knowledge of cosmetics, skin care products, and cosmetic devices. They should feel comfortable sharing this knowledge with customers
  • Cashiering Experience – cosmetic managers are most often employed by retail stores, and they will be expected to take payments from time to time. To do this, they must be proficient at using a cash register
  • Verbal Communication – individuals in managerial roles must communicate daily with coworkers, employees, company representatives, and vendors. They should do this in a professional manner that reflects the policies of the store
  • Conflict Resolution – inevitably, there will be issues with dissatisfied or disgruntled customers. An effective cosmetic manager should know how to diffuse situations before they escalate and peacefully resolve them if they do intensify
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Cosmetic Manager Education and Training

Most stores do not require cosmetic managers to have a degree of any sort, and sometimes, on-the-job training will be provided. Some managers may be required to take a store-sponsored course to learn more about cosmetic and skincare products, but even this may not be required. Some stores may require their cosmetic managers to have at least a high-school diploma or GED, but some do not.

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Cosmetic Manager Salary and Outlook

According to Glassdoor, the median yearly salary for a cosmetic manager is $32,949. Cosmetic managers in the top tenth percentile earned more than $44,000 yearly, and those in the bottom tenth percentile earned less than $23,000 yearly. Many companies also provide full time cosmetic managers with an opportunity to earn commission and bonuses, as well as a benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and sick leave. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which places cosmetic managers in the retail worker category, the industry is expected to increase by two percent through 2026. This is lower than the national average of seven percent, and the low number is usually attributed to the increasing popularity of online shopping.

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Helpful Resources

Are you interested in learning more about becoming a cosmetic manager? Take a look at the list of helpful resources below to find out more:

Professional Beauty Association – this association provides a wide range of resources to anyone interested in cosmetics, skincare, and hair care. Its site even offers live webinars and courses for the public. There is also a section dedicated to advocacy and education, and visitors to the site will have the option to become members.

Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary – a must-have for anyone considering a career in cosmetic management, this brief yet highly informative book helps readers understand the ingredients in popular cosmetic products. Written by M. Varinia Michalaun and Joseph C. DiNardo, this best-seller will help readers learn more about the healthy and not-so-healthy ingredients in their favorite perfumes, creams, and lipsticks.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro – written by Bobbi Brown herself, this makeup manual strives to help readers learn more about makeup and the application process. As the name suggests, it is for anyone interested in practical makeup tips.