Allocator - Sports

About the role

The Allocator in the Sports division manages end-to-end allocation and replenishment of products, keeping stock levels optimal across assigned stores. The role balances inventory with consumer demand, maximises sell-through and supports commercial targets through allocation, replenishment and redistribution strategies, working closely with Merchandising, Buying, Retail Operations and Logistics.

Key responsibilities

• Allocate seasonal and core products to stores based on store grading, space, sales potential and assortment plans.
• Monitor daily and weekly sales, stock and sell-through by store and SKU to keep stock levels and availability optimal.
• Replenish high-performing stores and SKUs, and identify under-performing stock for consolidation and transfer.
• Analyse size selling, store profiles and regional trends to refine size curves, pack ratios and store grading.
• Support new store openings, refits and closures with opening stock packages, consolidations and clear-down plans.
• Prepare regular allocation and inventory reports on store stock health, weeks of cover and missed sales risks.
• Coordinate with Logistics and Supply Chain to resolve delivery discrepancies or delays affecting store availability.
• Align allocation and replenishment with promotions, campaigns and seasonal launches.
• Share store feedback, market insights and trading risks with Merchandising, Buying and Retail Operations.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business; degree in Merchandising preferred; postgraduate degree advantageous.
• 2 years in merchandising and 1 year in retail allocation.
• Experience in sports retail and knowledge of inventory planning.

Required skills

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, interpreting sales, stock and performance reports.
• Proficiency in MS Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivots, basic formulas) with large data sets.
• Experience with allocation, planning or ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle preferred.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.