E-Commerce Manager Job Description

An e-commerce (electronic commerce) manager is responsible for overseeing and managing employees who create, implement and perform continuous maintenance on a company's web systems. To accomplish this, an e-commerce manager must develop a plan that is in line with a company's overall mission statement to sell products or services online. These transactions can include both business-to-business and business-to-consumer sales. In certain cases (i.e., eBay), a consumer-to-consumer orientation must be managed.

Significance

As more and more businesses implement online ordering systems, the e-commerce manager role is becoming an integral part of a company's success. In the past, online ordering systems were limited to business-to-consumer models; however, business-to-business companies have begun to utilize online purchasing as a convenient and effective way to grow their market share. According to Getdegrees.com, the e-commerce manager position is expected to grow 12 percent over the next few years. As a result, Internet savvy job applicants have an opportunity to enter the e-commerce industry at the beginning of its growth.


Education

To become an e-commerce manager, several things are required. First, a bachelor's degree in marketing, Internet marketing, management information systems or general management is necessary. In addition, applicants should have a strong background in website design and Internet marketing. Master's certificates with an emphasis in search engine marketing, affiliate marketing or HTML coding can greatly increase the odds of landing an e-commerce management position. Moreover, an MBA degree with a concentration in information technology, marketing or e-commerce is ideal.

Job Duties

Due to the high potential of Internet marketing, e-commerce managers often have a vast array of job duties. Some of the specific duties an e-commerce manager is responsible for include determining what website format to use, reducing supply chain costs in regards to shipping, developing affiliate marketing programs, implementing online security and coordinating all online transaction and marketing efforts. Essentially, e-commerce managers are asked to control all aspects of a company's online business. Once more, when the initial online business plan (website, transaction type) is implemented, e-commerce managers must maintain the plan. This involves website maintenance, renegotiating contracts with suppliers and payment services and staying up to date on any software or data management trends.

Salary

Because the e-commerce manager is required to oversee the majority of a company's online business, the position is often compensated well. In fact, according to ITmanagement.com, an average e-commerce manager salary is $92,000. The low range (25th percentile) earn closer to $80,000, while the high range (75th percentile) earn above $100,000. Obviously, an e-commerce manager's salary will vary based on experience, the company and the location of the job. As a general rule, most companies are willing to substantially compensate managers with at least 5 years of experience.

Considerations

As stated previously, the e-commerce industry will continue to grow in the future. Therefore, it is a great opportunity for college students, recent graduates or any Internet savvy individual to begin gaining experience. Companies will normally look for candidates with several years of managerial or project management experience as well as skills using information technology systems or the Internet in general. To prepare for this position, candidates should familiarize themselves with HTML coding, study numerous e-commerce business models and consider obtaining project management or other relevant certificates.

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