Careers in Fishmongering | Seafish

Careers in Fishmongering

Careers in fishmongering are great for individuals looking to learn a traditional trade.



With the many different species of fish and shellfish in the UK, it requires a great deal of knowledge and skill.

There are many opportunities available for the retail sector. Below is a small selection to highlight what some of those roles are. For more information about training courses read more here.  

Apprenticeships 

New entrants can learn about the industry through apprenticeship programmes. These fish and shellfish apprenticeship programmes, as well as vocational qualifications, have been developed with input from Seafish. They help new entrants and existing employees gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. 

Fish sales assistant 

Fish sales assistants must be fully trained, with knowledge of the many different species and shellfish on sale. The job can involve displaying fish, taking payments and preparing fish. 

In a small specialist fishmonger business, progression to supervisor or manager is possible. In large supermarkets progression is a possibility too. This could be as general retail management or other fresh food departments. Some fish sales assistants may also choose to move into fish wholesaling and contract buying. 

There are generally no pre-entry qualification requirements, as thorough training will be given on the job. Basic numeracy, literacy and communication skills are desirable. 

Supervisor 

Supervisors will be responsible for displaying the range of fish on sale and maintaining good health, safety and hygiene. This also includes being an experienced fish retail assistant. Supervisors may also be required to purchase stock from wholesalers. 

  • Specialist fishmongers/supervisors can progress into: 
  • Becoming manager 
  • Or go on to buy their own fishmongering businesses

Opportunities in larger supermarkets could be: 

  • Moving into other branches of fresh food 
  • Retail management

Supervisors may also wish to move into fish wholesaling and contract buying. 

There are generally no pre-entry qualifications. But knowledge of food safety and health and safety will be essential. An individual should also possess the ability to supervise and motivate a team. 

Manager/department manager 

Managers and department managers should have a comprehensive knowledge of fish and shellfish. Managers working in a fishmongers shop will be expected to select products and set prices. Managers will also be responsible for health and  safety,  food hygiene along with  organising workloads and retail management. 

Progress opportunities for managers in retail may be: 

  • Buying their own fishmonger business 
  • Continue a management career within other retail sectors 
  • Move into fish wholesaling or contract buying

To become a manager or department manager certain skills are necessary: 

  • People skills 
  • Commercial awareness and business skills 
  • Good knowledge of relevant legislation and budgetary controls, 
  • Knowledge of food safety as well as health and safety

Owner/manager 

The owner/manager handles the management and profitability of a fishmongering business. This includes: 

  • Selecting and buying produce 
  • Setting retail prices 
  • Building relationships 
  • Managing health and safety along with food hygiene 
  • Managing staff and workloads

Owner/managers will also be in charge of sales, marketing and finance. 

This role requires: 

  • Commercial awareness and retail business skills 
  • Knowledge of sales and marketing 
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, financial and business management 
  • Knowledge of health and safety, and food hygiene

They are also expected to build relationships, motivate staff and be competent fishmongers too. 

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