Merchandise Allocator

The Merchandise Allocator is responsible for managing product distribution across stores, ensuring that the right products are available in the right quantities at the right locations. This role involves analysing sales patterns, inventory levels, and seasonal demand to optimize product allocation, improve sell-through rates, and minimize stock-outs and overstock situations.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Responsible for optimizing sales by ensuring stores are stocked with the right amount of product at the right time.
• Identifying opportunities and proposing these to the Planner.
• Identify and report under / over stocked stores weekly to planner with action plan.
• Prepare consolidations as required as per the consolidations SOP and report to all key stakeholders.
• Prepare Post allocation reports weekly.
• Action post allocations weekly.
• Action new item allocations according to templates, historical and future performance depending on the time in the season.
• Action replenishment allocations according to store needs from post and new deliveries.
• Prepare templates and action new initiative allocations according to performance and presentation stock by store grade.
• Prepare store grading every 3 months and present to planner.
• Communicate and support stores with queries and to help process recalls / consolidations and direct transfers.
• Anticipate weekly deliveries for the beginning of each week to plan allocations timeously and make sure DC can execute to their deadlines.
• Ad hoc analysis as and when required by key stakeholders.
• Conducting store visits when required and feed back to the relevant stakeholders with action plans if needed.
• Work closely with the Merchandising, Buying, and Planning teams to develop allocation strategies aligned with business goals and seasonal trends.
• Meeting weekly with Buying & Planning team for current trade to present to management.
• Actively participate in team meetings and have a good understanding of product and store performance.
• Maintain key parameters and store grids and store lists for Pattern.

Personal Attributes and Qualifications

• Min 3-5 yrs allocating in the retail sector as an allocator (apparel/ access / footwear is preferable)
• Matric required some tertiary qualification would be advantageous.
• Must be able to handle a pressurized environment.
• Need to be accountable, reliable and show leadership ability.