Manager Retail CS Allocation
Key Responsibilities
Allocation Strategy & System Execution
- Lead and oversee daily allocation, replenishment, and stock transfer execution, ensuring alignment with sell-through performance and inventory targets
- Act as key system owner for allocation and replenishment processes, ensuring accuracy, stability, and efficiency of daily operations
- Define and continuously optimize allocation logic and system parameters (e.g., min/max, safety stock, allocation rules, auto-replenishment settings)
- Monitor system output and drive data-driven manual intervention strategies to maximize allocation effectiveness
Initial Allocation & Allocation Accuracy (Key Focus)
- Own and drive initial allocation strategy and execution for new product launches
- Ensure high accuracy of initial stock distribution by:
- Leveraging store grading, historical performance, and product segmentation
- Aligning closely with Buying/AP and Merchandising teams
- Track and evaluate initial allocation performance (e.g., early sell-through, size break, stock imbalance)
- Continuously refine allocation logic to improve first allocation hit rate and reduce rebalancing needs
System Enhancement & Data Optimization
- Lead identification and implementation of system enhancements to improve allocation efficiency and automation
- Partner with IT/data teams to:
- Enhance replenishment models and allocation tools
- Improve data structure and usability (SKU, store attributes, product hierarchy, etc.)
- Drive automation and tool development (e.g., reporting automation, allocation templates, dashboards)
- Ensure strong data governance and integrity across allocation-related systems
Sales & Inventory Performance Management
- Monitor key retail KPIs (sell-through, weeks of cover, inventory turnover, sell-in/sell-out gap)
- Drive actionable plans on replenishment, rebalancing, markdown, and promotion to optimize inventory health
- Identify risks and opportunities (slow movers, overstock, size imbalance) and lead corrective actions
Promotion & Campaign Execution
- Oversee end-to-end execution of CS channel promotions:
- System setup governance (pricing, discount configuration, SKU selection)
- Stock readiness through allocation planning
- Evaluate promotion performance and translate insights into future allocation and buying optimization
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Act as key interface with:
- Store & Operations teams (demand signals & execution feedback)
- SCM & Logistics (capacity planning, shipment prioritization)
- Buying/AP teams (assortment and allocation alignment)
- Ensure allocation decisions are fully aligned with commercial strategy and supply constraints
Reporting & Team Enablement
- Oversee accurate and timely reporting framework (daily/weekly/monthly performance dashboards)
- Build and maintain core allocation datasets and performance tracking tools
- Guide and coach team members on:
- System operations
- Allocation logic
- Data-driven decision-making
Process & Operational Excellence
- Define and standardize allocation and replenishment operating processes
- Ensure high level of accuracy, compliance, and discipline in system operations
- Identify gaps in current workflows and lead process optimization and simplification initiatives
- Drive continuous improvement to support business growth and operational scalability
Key Requirements
- 5–8+ years of experience in Retail, Allocation, Merchandising, or Supply Chain
- Strong hands-on experience in allocation/replenishment systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA)
- Proven experience in initial allocation planning and execution
- Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capability (pivot tables, data modeling preferred)
- Experience in system or process enhancement / automation projects is highly preferred
- Strong ownership, problem-solving capability, and cross-functional communication skills
- Ability to balance hands-on execution with team guidance and process ownership
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