Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Working Life

Wholesale managers organise and control the flow of goods and supervise the duties of staff within a wholesale organisation. Wholesalers supply retail organisations and tend to specialise in particular types of goods, for example, groceries or clothing.  
 
Managers are ultimately responsible for the receipt, correct storage and despatch of goods at the right time and in the right quantities. Modern warehouses are highly automated and often computerised. Managers must, therefore, be able to analyse information (often provided by electronic point of sales networks) and be familiar with computerised scheduling and stock control systems. They must ensure that they always have enough stock and negotiate with suppliers to get the best deal possible.  
 
They may deal with financial matters, negotiate contracts for transport, and put into practice procedures for achieving greater efficiency. Wholesale managers are also responsible for the supervision, motivation and sometimes training of their staff.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
• Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
• Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
• Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
• Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
• Authorise payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
• Monitor and analyse sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.
• Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
• Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
• Conduct sales meetings to introduce new merchandise.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

You don’t necessarily need a qualification to start a wholesale business, but the most relevant course subjects include retail, business, marketing and logistics.

A varied job background is also beneficial as many skills are transferable, and many wholesalers have a background in sales, business management or logistics; but some wholesalers employ people with those skills. It is also important to have an extended network of contacts in the relevant industry.

If you want to set up a wholesale business, you may also be able to get advice from a Local Enterprise Office on your business plan and funding your start-up.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business admin, retail customer service, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business management, sales, marketing, commerce, retail, merchandising, business, customer service.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sales, Retail Supervision, Lean Sigma Management.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, commerce, retail, services management, retail management, marketing, e-commerce.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business, retail management, marketing, retail innovation.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Local Enterprise Office - you may be able to get advice for your business plan and funding your start-up.

ILDN Local Development partnerships Enterprise Offices for business support & mentoring

Retail Skillnet 

You may be able to make important contacts and keep up-to-date on relevant regulations and news, events and training opportunities in your sector through professional organisations. Many different industries have their own professional organisations for wholesalers, such as:

• Association of Electrical Wholesalers
• Hardware Association Ireland
• Irish Food Service Suppliers Alliance
• The Society of the Irish Motor Industry 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Excel / Indeed/ Osborne/ Clark/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Managing directors (retail trade); retail and wholesale managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly for this occupation, particularly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,800 persons employed. This growth is in line with the recent employment growth in the wholesale/retail sector.

The share of non-Irish citizens, at 29%, was higher than the national average of 19%. The number of jobs advertised online (OVATE) grew strongly (10%) for this occupation in the year to 2022, although the fall in adverts in the most recent quarterly data suggests a slowdown in demand.

• Association of Electrical Wholesalers

  • 085 207 2761
  • Click Here

• Hardware Association Ireland

  • Blackchurch Business Park, Naas Road, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, D24 C796
  • 01 298 0969
  • Click Here

• Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance

  • (01) 846 0020
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Society of the Irish Motor Industry

  • 5 Upper Pembroke St, Dublin 2
  • (01) 676 1690
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here