e-commerce manager

The specific duties of an e-commerce manager include:

• website oversight: overseeing the e-commerce platform, ensuring it's user-friendly, and resolving any technical hitches. You continuously seek ways to improve site navigation, design, and overall functionality.
• digital marketing strategy: crafting and executing digital marketing campaigns, leveraging tools like SEO, PPC, and email marketing to drive traffic and sales.
• data analysis: analysing website analytics, sales data, and customer feedback. This information assists in refining strategies, ensuring optimal performance and maximum customer satisfaction.

The work environment of an e-commerce manager is typically office-based, often within a company's marketing or IT department. However, with advancements in technology, many now have the flexibility to work remotely or adopt a hybrid working model. Your day is punctuated with meetings - brainstorming with the marketing team, discussing updates with IT, or liaising with external agencies. While the role is largely desk-bound, it's dynamic in nature. You have to juggle multiple tasks, from monitoring website traffic to coordinating promotional campaigns. There's never a dull moment, with challenges like website downtimes or payment gateway issues demanding immediate attention. Despite potential pressures, the rewards – seeing tangible growth in online sales or positive customer feedback – make it worthwhile.

An e-commerce manager rarely works in isolation – you collaborate closely with a multitude of professionals. The marketing team, such as marketing managers and digital marketing managers, are frequent allies, helping craft campaigns that resonate with the target audience. You brainstorm with them to ideate new promotions or dissect the success of past campaigns.

The IT department is another key collaborator. They ensure that the website runs smoothly, addressing technical glitches or implementing new features as you strategise. Their expertise is vital for any site revamps or integrations.

External agencies, be it digital marketing firms or SEO specialists, might also come into the picture. They bring niche expertise, helping boost the platform's visibility and performance.

Additionally, customer service teams provide invaluable feedback. They're the bridge between you and the end-users, relaying concerns, suggestions, or grievances. Their insights help you tweak strategies, ensuring the platform remains customer-centric.

E-commerce managers typically maintain standard office hours. However, the digital realm doesn't clock out at 5 p.m. With online stores open round-the-clock, you might need to be on-call for emergencies, especially during peak shopping seasons or sales events. Additionally, when launching new campaigns or features, extra hours might be needed to ensure a smooth rollout. Flexibility is paramount, especially considering the global nature of e-commerce. Interactions with international vendors or monitoring campaigns targeting different time zones can sometimes necessitate unconventional hours. While it's largely a weekday job, weekends could come into play during major sales events or if any critical issues arise.

The digital marketplace is flourishing, and the role of an e-commerce manager is becoming increasingly critical for businesses. As more organisations pivot to online platforms, there's a growing demand for skilled professionals who can adeptly manage and strategise for these digital storefronts.

E-commerce penetration is witnessing an upward trajectory, with consumers increasingly preferring the convenience of online shopping. This trend isn't just a fleeting phase; it's indicative of a broader shift in consumer behaviour. Therefore, the need for e-commerce managers who can leverage this momentum is only expected to rise.

Opportunities for progression are abundant. Starting as an e-commerce executive or specialist, with experience and consistent performance, you can ascend to senior managerial roles or even directorial positions. The diverse skill set an e-commerce manager acquires – ranging from digital marketing to analytics – offers the flexibility to transition into other roles or sectors.

The future looks promising for aspiring e-commerce managers. With the digital realm expanding and the e-commerce sector poised for further growth, the prospects are vast and varied.

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 on a monthly basis
• 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!

An e-commerce manager oversees a brand's online sales platform, strategising and executing plans to boost sales, improve user experience, and ensure smooth operations.

While not mandatory, a basic understanding of e-commerce platforms and digital tools will not only help you fulfil your role, it will almost certainly make it easier to find work in this profession.

E-commerce managers predominantly work through online platforms, which, technically, can be considered working on websites. However, they also manage a brand's presence on third-party marketplaces and may oversee mobile app strategies.

Many employers prefer candidates with relevant degrees, and having a related bachelor's or master's degree is certainly beneficial. That being said, practical experience combined with specific certifications can also suffice.

E-commerce managers are valuable across sectors – anywhere a business engages in online sales, be it services, digital products, or physical goods.

Applying for an e-commerce manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!