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