Merchandise Allocator

Pro Select Consulting; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A retail consulting firm is seeking a Merchandise Allocator in Durban, South Africa. The role involves managing product distribution, optimizing inventory levels across stores, and collaborating closely with merchandising and planning teams. Ideal candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in retail allocation, preferably in apparel or footwear. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential. This position demands reliability and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience as an allocator in the retail sector, preferably in apparel/access/footwear.
• Ability to handle a pressurized environment.
• Accountable and reliable individual with leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage product distribution across stores to optimize sales.
• Identify and propose opportunities to planners.
• Prepare and report on stock levels and allocations.
• Collaborate with merchandising and planning teams for allocation strategies.

Skills

Product distribution management

Sales pattern analysis

Inventory optimization

Leadership ability

Communication skills

Education

Matric

Tertiary qualification (advantageous)

Job description

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

• 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.