Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

E-commerce Specialist

View this career for different education levels:

An e-commerce specialist is responsible for managing and growing a companys online sales presence. This role involves a mix of digital marketing, website management, data analysis, and customer service. Typical tasks include optimising product listings, running online advertising campaigns, analysing sales data to identify trends, and improving the customer shopping experience. E-commerce specialists often work with platforms such as Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce, and need to stay updated with the latest online shopping trends and technologies. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a good understanding of online consumer behaviour are important for success in this career.

E-commerce Specialist

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

E-commerce specialists in the UK typically earn between £24,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Opportunities

There were over 15,000 e-commerce roles advertised in the UK in 2023, with growth expected as online retail continues to expand.

Industry Growth

The UK e-commerce market was valued at more than £120 billion in 2023, making it one of the largest in Europe.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

E-commerce Content Manager

Focuses on creating and managing product listings, descriptions, and images for online shops to improve customer experience and sales.

Online Marketplace Coordinator

Manages product listings, promotions, and customer service for brands selling on platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or Not On The High Street.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

E-commerce Digital Marketing Analyst

Specialises in analysing online sales data, running digital advertising campaigns, and using SEO to drive traffic and increase online sales.

Gain Relevant Education

Complete Secondary Education

Obtain GCSEs, ideally including English and Maths, to build a strong academic foundation.

Most E-commerce roles require basic qualifications. Aim for at least five GCSEs at grades 4 or above, focusing on English and Maths, as these are often required for further study or apprenticeships.

Pursue Further Study

Take A-levels or a Level 3 Diploma in Business, IT, or Marketing to deepen your understanding.

A-levels in Business Studies, IT, or Media Studies, or a BTEC National Diploma in Business or Digital Marketing, can provide a strong grounding in areas relevant to e-commerce.

Consider a Degree or Apprenticeship

Study for a university degree or higher apprenticeship in Marketing, Digital Business, or E-commerce.

Many E-commerce Specialists hold degrees in subjects like Digital Marketing, Business Management, or E-commerce. Alternatively, apprenticeships offer practical experience alongside study.

Develop Practical Skills

Learn Digital Tools

Gain experience with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce.

Many employers look for proficiency in popular e-commerce platforms. You can find free tutorials and online courses to help you become familiar with these tools.

Understand Online Marketing

Build knowledge in SEO, social media, email marketing, and online advertising.

E-commerce relies heavily on digital marketing. Explore free resources from Google Digital Garage or HubSpot to learn the basics of SEO and online advertising.

Analyse Data

Develop analytical skills to interpret web traffic and sales data using tools like Google Analytics.

Analysing data helps you understand customer behaviour and improve website performance. Free online courses can guide you in using analytics tools effectively.

Gain Experience and Specialise

Get Work Experience

Secure internships, part-time jobs, or voluntary roles with online retailers or digital marketing agencies.

Practical experience is highly valued. Look for placements that allow you to manage product listings, assist with online campaigns, or analyse sales data.

Build a Portfolio

Create your own online shop or manage an online project to showcase your skills.

Setting up a simple e-commerce site or helping a small business with their online presence can help you build a strong portfolio to show future employers.

Choose an Area of Focus

Decide if you want to specialise in a particular area, such as digital marketing, website management, or customer experience.

As you gain experience, you may prefer certain aspects of e-commerce. Specialising can help you stand out in fields like SEO, content creation, or user experience design.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in E-commerce Specialist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An E-commerce Specialist and an E-commerce Manager both focus on managing online sales platforms, implementing marketing strategies, and optimising digital user experiences. The key difference lies in the level of responsibility, with the manager typically overseeing larger teams and strategic planning, but both roles require similar qualifications in digital commerce and online business management.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • a graduate training scheme

University

Companies recruit from a range of degree subjects. You may have an advantage with a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • business management
  • digital marketing
  • business enterprise
  • retail management

It's important to get experience during your degree through work shadowing, internships or year in industry placements. Your university careers service can help you to find opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, for example:

  • Digital Marketer
  • Express Delivery Manager
  • Retail Leadership

These degree apprenticeships can take between 3 and 4 years to complete. They combine on-the-job training with time spent with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start working as an assistant in a retail buying or marketing department. You could then become an e-commerce manager through training and promotion.

Direct Application

You can apply for e-commerce manager jobs directly if you've got experience and qualifications in:

  • digital marketing
  • social media management
  • business and project management
  • web analytics and search engine optimisation (SEO)

Other Routes

You can apply for a graduate training scheme with an e-commerce company if you have a degree.

If successful, you'll spend time in different departments, learning about:

  • digital marketing
  • product development processes
  • brand management
  • leadership

More Information

Career tips

When you work might differ depending on the location of your clients, for example if they're based overseas.

Further information

You can find out more about working in e-commerce from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.