Nikki Murran asks is grocery retail becoming an attractive career again?

A few weeks ago, I was chatting with one of my aunts about my cousins. I have always been ridiculously impressed by them. Between them, they work in finance, technology and other highly specialised sectors. If you had asked me ten years ago which careers were the safest and most future proof, those industries would probably have topped the list.

What surprised me was hearing how much uncertainty there now is for graduates entering those sectors.

Our conversation quickly turned to AI and the impact it is already having on entry-level roles. While experienced professionals are adapting, there is growing discussion around what graduate programmes and junior positions in finance, accounting and technology will even look like over the next few years.

Driving home afterwards, I found myself thinking about grocery retail and how different the conversation feels in our industry.

I have always believed grocery retail is one of the best industries in Ireland to build a career in. It is why I have dedicated more than two decades of my life to the sector. What is nice to see now is that the facts are starting to back up what many of us working in the industry have known for years.

The numbers are starting to tell the story

Back in 2016, store managers in symbol supermarkets typically earned between €38,000 and €50,000. Today, store managers in small and medium supermarkets are commonly earning between €50,000 and €65,000, while experienced managers in larger supermarkets can earn up to €120,000 depending on the size and complexity of the operation.

Trainee managers have seen even more significant movement. In 2016, many trainee roles sat between €21,000 and €26,000. Today, those same positions are often attracting salaries of €35,000 to €36,000.

When you compare those increases against Irish inflation of approximately 20% over the same period, it becomes clear that many grocery retail management salaries have grown well ahead of the cost of living. Fresh food managers, store managers and trainee managers have all seen salary growth that comfortably surpassed inflation over the last decade.

The overall package has changed

The pay improvements are great to see, but what has always made this industry special goes beyond salary.

What has changed massively over the last decade is the overall package being offered to managers and retail teams.

Hours and work-life balance have improved in many businesses. Training is far more structured and accessible. There is a much bigger focus on soft skills, leadership and people management than there used to be, which is long overdue in an industry built around people.

Career paths are also far more transparent. In the past, progression could sometimes depend on who trained you or whether somebody happened to spot your potential. Now, many retailers have clear development plans in place and progression is much more closely linked to performance, attitude and hard work.

Bonuses and incentives have improved too, with many retailers rewarding managers directly for strong store performance, standards and team results.

There is also far more autonomy in modern retail management roles than people realise. Great managers are often given real ownership over their stores, their teams and the culture they want to create.

Perhaps the biggest shift of all, though, is culture.

Retailers are putting far more emphasis on creating positive working environments, supporting teams properly and developing leaders who can motivate and coach people well. There is still work to do, of course, but the difference compared to a decade ago is huge.

Grocery retail still needs people

There is also the security that comes with grocery retail.

While many sectors are questioning what AI might mean for their workforce, grocery retail remains rooted in people. Stores still need leaders. Teams still need coaching. Customers still need service. Products still need to be ordered, merchandised, prepared and sold.

Technology will absolutely change parts of retail, just as it will change every industry, but I struggle to see a future where great retailers do not need great people.

I also think people underestimate how enjoyable retail can be when you genuinely like working with people.

No two days are ever the same. You could walk into a store with a full plan for your day and within ten minutes something changes. A delivery arrives late, a team member calls in sick, a customer needs help or somebody accidentally burns half the breakfast pastries before 8am.

For the right personality, that unpredictability is actually part of the appeal. You are constantly interacting with people and constantly solving problems. You build genuine relationships with customers and teams over time, and that sense of community is something many industries simply cannot offer in the same way.

Ireland is leading the way

The continued growth of fresh food and convenience retail has also transformed the industry over the last decade. Irish retailers are now recognised among the best in Europe for fresh food standards, innovation and customer experience. From bakery and deli operations to food-to-go concepts and specialist departments, there are more career paths available in grocery retail today than ever before.

No industry is completely future-proof, and retail will continue to evolve like every other sector.

But for people looking for a career with progression, stability, strong earning potential and plenty of variety, grocery retail has a lot going for it.

Maybe more than ever before.