Allocator

Reports to: Allocations Manager

Interfaces: Buying, Merchandising, Distribution Centre and the Retail Network

Salary : Up to £25,000

Purpose Of The Role

• The Allocation function is the final step in the buying and merchandising and is responsible for allocating stock from the DC to the retail store network

Scope

• Although seen as an ‘entry level position’, the allocations team have a critical role in influencing the success of products. You will report to the allocation manager but will be working day-to-day with the Buying and Merchandising team to become their ‘product replenishment specialist’ who is able to maximise sales and sell-through. You will also build up a network of store contacts who will rely on you to influence allocations across all departments. Your knowledge and skill will provide a platform for advancement further in the business.

Role Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for their departments warehouse stock
• Allocate stock effectively to stores using various methods available
• Ensure thorough understanding of the products being allocated and the impact of their allocation
• Be aware of forthcoming events relevant to their department and be pro-active in their allocations to ensure correct store stock levels
• Liaise closely with the Buying and Merchandising teams ensuring their expectations of stock placement are met
• Be aware of seasonal events and build stock appropriately
• Flag with Merchandising team poor and good selling products in a timely manner
• Support Allocation management with ad-hoc analysis and reports as required
• Prioritise as appropriate fast moving or urgent stock through the warehouse
• Communicate with stores with regard to stock issues and deal effectively with Customer orders as required
• Effectively solve stock issues that arise in the DC that prevent stock from being allocated
• Ensure awareness of promoted / marked down products and take appropriate allocation action
• Support Buying and Merchandising with direct to store order creation and system maintenance

Key Measures

• In conjunction with the Buying and Merchandising team, achieve a 97%+ core line availability
• Maximum store availability of promoted / event stock
• All lines to be reviewed a minimum of once per week and more frequently on appropriate lines
• Hit required stock levels on a line-by-line and category/department basis

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Candidates will be highly numerical with an analytical background and will ideally possess a business/analytical qualification at degree level or equivalent.
• Enthusiastic and confident you be commercially driven with a keen interest in retail and the desire to progress in this field.
• Be able to work quickly but accurately under pressure
• Be a confident communicator, able to speak confidently to all levels within the business
• Demonstrable influencing skills
• A retail background is advantageous but not necessary
• Able to work effectively with minimal supervision and within a team as required
• Possess a high degree of self-motivation and common sense
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint (although training will be provided)