Allocator

River Island Clothing Co., Ltd.; City Of London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer is seeking an entry-level Allocator to join their team in West London. You will play a key role in ensuring optimal stock allocation across various channels while providing analytical support to the Distribution Merchandising Team. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills and a willingness to learn. Generous staff discounts and flexible working options are offered.

Benefits

50% staff discount

Free onsite gym

Subsidised restaurant

Paid holiday

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• This is an entry-level role, previous retail experience is desirable but not essential.
• No specific qualifications required, just an analytical mindset.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and analytical support to the Distribution Merchandising Team.
• Utilize Nextail for stock allocation across channels.
• Make informed decisions on allocations based on sales trends.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Good verbal and numerical skills

Intermediate MS Office skills

Strong Excel skills

Highly organised

Collaborative

Good commercial awareness

Results oriented

Resilient

Curious mindset

Job description

Allocator

Department: Womenswear

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Head Office, Chelsea House

Reporting To: Katy Boucher

Description

The Distribution Hub ensures the right stock is in the right place at the right time to maximise sales opportunities and minimise markdown. Through partnerships across Wholesale, Ecomm, Retail, Franchise and Core Merchandising, the Distribution Hub manages allocations for the entire business across all channels, using systems expertise to achieve optimum channel allocations, and ultimately create the best customer experience.

The Allocator is accountable for accurately allocating stock by channel according to agreed distribution plans.

Key Accountabilities

• Provides administrative and analytical support to the Distribution Merchandising Team
• Utilises Nextail to accurately allocate stock to all channels – Wholesale, Ecomm, Stores and Franchise - in line with distribution plan
• Through strong relationships with Core Merchandising counterparts, and good knowledge of capacity, option plan and sales trends, make informed decisions on allocations
• By reviewing available reporting, including Nextail parameters, ensure optimal replenishment and first allocations are achieved
• Through regular monitoring of key line availability, and make allocation adjustments to ensure stock is where the demand is
• Supports the delivery of promotional, peak and markdown activity and launch dates through timely and accurate allocations
• Analyses and interprets sales trends and subsequent stock forecasts
• Understands when ad hoc reporting is required, and uses these to analyse product performance to support trading decisions
• Conducts regular store visits and website reviews, as well as nurturing partnerships with Wholesale, Ecomm, Franchise and Core merchandising counterparts to build channel and product knowledge, and to develop an informed view
• Prepares and supports distribution meetings
• Works cross functionally with Core Merchandising and channel teams to identify improvements to streamline ways of working and create agility

Key Experience Required

• This is an entry level role so previous experience in Retail or as an Allocator or MAA is desirable, but not essential; a track record that demonstrates good work ethic is a must
• No specific qualifications are required for this role, just an analytical mindset, the ability to learn quickly and apply that learning

Job Role Competencies

• Strong analytical skills
• Good verbal and numerical skills
• Intermediate MS Office skills, strong Excel skills
• Computer literate and ability to learn new systems
• Highly organised, good prioritisation and time management skills
• Collaborative, with strong interpersonal skills and team-orientation
• Good commercial and market awareness
• Disciplined and conscientious, results oriented
• Resilient and adaptable
• Curious, continuous learning mindset
• A keen interest in Product and the River Island brand is a must

About Us

We’re a much-loved brand with an exciting future. Our Islanders are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions. This is what a career at River Island is like. And this is where yours starts.

This role is based at our Head Office in West London.

What we can offer you: Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site! Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through Reward Gateway! A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill you needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year. Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment. We also work closely with the Retail Trust to create dedicated support for all our Islanders! Flexible working is a given, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays. Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding. Support with upskilling through on the job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress. 23 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!

Keeping You Safe

At River Island we are committed to the safeguarding of all of our employees regardless of age or job role. We will fulfil our obligation under the Prevent duty which seeks to stop extremism and extremist views from materialising in our business. We promote and encourage the belief in British Values- including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise. To find out more about this interview process, check out our hiring process below.