what is an e-commerce manager?
As an e-commerce manager, you are responsible for improving a retailer's online sales presence. You can work in any industry that sells online. Your job involves managing online outlets to ensure customers can buy products or services easily. Online stores have led to changing requirements of sales teams. For instance, you need to consult clients and ensure the website meets the requirements and preferences of customers.
In the digital space, e-commerce managers are crucial in improving online presence and sales. You help your employer select products for sale and assist in managing the returns. You develop and plan the store's appearance, choose the best collections and act as an interface with various departments.
Some companies outsource e-commerce managers instead of hiring in-house, but they perform similar functions. While e-commerce managers are part of the marketing department, they focus on conversion. That means your job is to attract customers using campaigns, engaging content and effective SEO strategies.
As an e-commerce manager, you can work for marketing agencies, technology companies, manufacturing industries and retail businesses. Whether the company offers e-commerce services or sells products, your role is to help them excel. The job relies on analysing data and information to find exciting ways to attract customers. Therefore, you need to be data-driven and analytical to succeed.
Would working as an e-commerce manager suit your data-savvy analytical skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an e-commerce manager role.
average e-commerce manager salary
According to National Careers, the salary of an e-commerce manager starting out is £25,000 per year. When you are an expert in the role, your compensation package can increase to £60,000 annually.
Apart from the basic salary, most employers offer other perks to their employees, like medical insurance and house allowances. Since e-commerce managers can work from home, some companies provide allowances for internet and other subscriptions. You also enjoy the benefits that other employees get, like bonuses and paid vacation days.
how to boost your salary as an e-commerce manager
When you are an e-commerce manager, your salary depends on the revenue and returns you generate from online sales. Your years of experience are also crucial in determining your take-home pay. When you have many years of experience, your conversion rates and sales figures will be higher than new e-commerce managers.
The company size can also influence your earning ability. When you work for a company with a large online store, you are likely to earn a higher salary than someone who works for a small e-commerce store.
types of e-commerce managers
Some of the types of e-commerce managers include:
- b2b e-commerce managers: as a b2b e-commerce manager, you sell products or services to other businesses or companies. The sales cycle is usually longer than selling to customers, but you will have more repeat purchases and larger order values.
- b2c e-commerce managers: your job is to market and sell products to end-users through the online store. Since the consumer makes the purchase decision, the sales cycle is usually shorter, but the order value is lower than b2b purchases.
- c2c e-commerce managers: as an e-commerce manager, you can work for an online marketplace that allows consumers to sell products to other consumers. Your job is to ensure the platform provides seamless transactions for buyers and sellers.
working as an e-commerce manager
Working as an e-commerce manager involves using technology to provide value to online users. Let's look at the specific duties, work environment and schedules of e-commerce managers.
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e-commerce manager job description
Some of the tasks of an e-commerce manager include:
- overseeing web development: as an e-commerce manager, you are in charge of website design and development. Your job is to ensure it provides an excellent user interface and experience for your customers. If you don't have a background in web development, you can work with the development team to ensure the website's look, feel and design improve the user experience. You also need to ensure that the e-commerce platform provides quick and easy access to products and transactions.
- managing teams: typical e-commerce teams usually have content editors, web analysts, designers and content creators. As an e-commerce manager, you manage the teams to ensure they perform their role in maintaining and improving a website's functionality. You assign tasks and supervise the team members to ensure everyone plays their part.
- planning marketing campaigns and strategies: as an e-commerce manager, your job involves planning a digital marketing strategy to improve the visibility of your employer's products and boost conversion rates. Your marketing plan should identify the areas that need improvement and campaigns that can boost sales. You also develop a search engine optimisation strategy to ensure the website is ranking and your platform gets sufficient traffic.
- studying the company's customers and products: it is vital to know your customers and the products you are selling. As an e-commerce manager, you need to be familiar with customer and buyer profiles. If the company hasn't developed a buyer persona, you need to create one. You also need to write product descriptions that explain the benefits of the products to consumers.
- understanding e-commerce systems: as an e-commerce manager, you need to oversee search engine optimisation, customer management systems and online stores. That means you need to understand how the systems work. For instance, you should understand how the checkout and payment systems work to assist customers when they are stuck. You are also responsible for training the e-commerce teams on managing the system to improve customer service.
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work environment
As an e-commerce manager, you can work in any business sector that offers products or services digitally. The work environment of an e-commerce manager is usually an office setting, and you spend most of the day at your desk managing sales and other services online. Most companies have interactive office spaces for digital and e-commerce teams to allow brainstorming and flow of ideas. Sometimes, you answer phone calls or talk to customers through e-mails and live chat.
Since you complete most of your tasks online, you can work from home or remotely. The role also involves minimal travelling.
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who are your colleagues?
When you are an e-commerce manager, your colleagues may include content editors, technical writers and software developers. You are also likely to work in close proximity to videographers and graphic designers, as well as other specialists that could include project managers, sales directors, marketing managers, seo specialist role and digital marketers.
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work schedule
Most e-commerce managers have irregular work schedules since customers buy products online day and night. When you have a large team, you can work regular business hours. However, if your employer relies on you to complete most tasks, your work schedule could extend to evenings and weekends. You are on call when a customer needs something and when there is a glitch in the e-commerce system. Some employers allow you to work part-time or on short-term contracts to launch their online marketplace. Some e-commerce managers also work on a freelance basis.
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job outlook
As an e-commerce manager, you play a crucial role in improving the online visibility of your employer and boosting revenue. You also have multiple career paths to explore and opportunities to build your skills. For instance, you can become a digital marketer and specialise in building brand awareness for the entire company. Some also become social media managers and focus on selling items through social media. When you want to progress and move up your career ladder, you have a chance of becoming a business development or sales accounts manager.
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advantages of finding an e-commerce manager job through randstad
Finding your e-commerce manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an e-commerce manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some qualifications of e-commerce managers include:
- undergraduate degree: companies recruit e-commerce managers with any degree, but you have a head start with a foundation or higher national diploma in marketing, business management or digital marketing. You can also take technical courses like web design or web development.
- apprenticeships: consider apprenticeships like digital marketing, retail leadership and delivery management. You will gain exceptional skills to help you in the role, and you can study as you work.
- work experience: you need hands-on experience to work in a management role. Therefore, you can start in entry-level positions like marketing, information technology and sales before becoming an e-commerce manager.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills and competencies of an e-commerce manager include:
- organisational skills: as an e-commerce manager, your role involves juggling multiple duties since you operate in a fast-paced digital world. You need exceptional organisations skills to keep up with your work.
- digital skills: as an e-commerce manager, you need exceptional IT skills to provide excellent customer service. For instance, you need to understand web design, social media marketing, e-commerce laws and search engine optimisation.
- creativity: you require creativity to develop new ideas for promoting products and services. Since your potential customers are bombarded with numerous adverts, you need creativity to capture their attention.
- teamwork skills: as an e-commerce manager, you need teamwork skills to work with a range of professional colleagues. Being a team player helps you relay information clearly and listen to their ideas.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an e-commerce manager
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what is an e-commerce manager?
An e-commerce manager oversees internet shopping by managing a company's online store. You ensure the platform works smoothly and customers get the best services.
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what is the role of an e-commerce manager?
The role of an e-commerce manager is to promote online sales by developing promotions and improving user experience.
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what do you need to be an e-commerce manager?
You need a degree in digital marketing or business management to join the profession. Work experience in marketing or sales also improves your career prospects.
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what makes a good e-commerce manager?
E-commerce managers should be creative, good communicators and organised. They are also excellent team players and negotiators.
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what is the difference between e-commerce and e-business?
An e-commerce platform sells products or services while an e-business runs all its business programmes online apart from selling items.
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how do I apply for an e-commerce manager vacancy?
Applying for an e-commerce manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our e-commerce job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
