Allocator

**Description**:

- Ready to join one of the most successful fashion brands on the high street? Do you have a passion for fashion? Driven to achieve? United to win? If your answers are yes, we think you’ll love it here on the Island _
- From our first shop in the remains of a North London bombsite in the 1940s, to now over 250 stores across the UK, Ireland and internationally. We are known for our stylish, affordable fashion and we like to shout-it loud._
- Our Island community is everything and we are stronger together. Every Islander counts in making fashion a force for good and we value individuality and difference. Exceptional people have made River Island a success for over 70 years. Together we will continue to do so in the years ahead._
- We are one team. We are the difference. We are River Island_
**_._**

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.

**What We Are Looking For...**:

- 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**:

- Previous experience in Retail or as an Allocator or MAA is desirable but not essential; but track record that demonstrates good work ethic is a must

**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

**This Is For You...**:

- **Discount **-** **Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself & a bargain staff shop, all onsite
- **RI Rewards** - Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway
- **Island culture** - We have a free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café & various social events throughout the year. We also work closely with the Retail Trust to create dedicated support for all our Islanders
- **Work that stays at work** - Flexible working is a given, on top of payday early finishes and Summer Fridays
- **Family Hub** - Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment
- **Giver Island** - Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and matched funding
- **Training on the job** - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications
- **Pension** - A contributory private pension scheme
- **Holiday** - 23 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays

**We mentioned the discount, right?**

**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