PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION

The Senior Manager, Allocation & In-Season Trading is responsible for executing the merchandise allocation and replenishment strategy to drive retail performance and inventory productivity.

This role ensures disciplined execution of allocation cycles, in-season trading actions, and demand-driven replenishment while partnering cross-functionally to deliver sales, margin, and inventory targets. The position acts as the key operational owner translating the merchandise operating model into tangible business results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Allocation & Replenishment Execution

• Lead end-to-end allocation cycle including sales order creation, product release scheduling, and store-level replenishment.
• Execute automatic replenishment logic and parameter governance based on defined framework.
• Optimize product allocation to maximize sell-through and manage store capacity effectively.
• Monitor weeks of cover, stock health, and inventory productivity.

2. In-Season Trading & Performance Management

• Drive weekly and monthly business reviews covering sales, inventory, markdown, promotion and sell-through performance.
• Identify underperformance risks and propose actionable trading plans.
• Consolidate product performance at cluster/store level and provide structured insights.
• Support liquidation and excess inventory management initiatives.

3. Demand Planning & Re-Order Management

• Develop short-term demand forecasts aligned with sales targets and inventory objectives.
• Drive re-order planning process to capture business opportunities.
• Collaborate with Planning and Buying to ensure demand alignment.
• Manage downstream workflow to ensure timely fulfillment.

4. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner closely with SCM on delivery scheduling and warehouse/store capacity management.
• Work with Retail Operations and customer allocation team on allocation feedback and performance improvement.
• Collaborate with Finance and Planning on inventory and margin governance.
• Provide data-driven insights to stakeholders to support decision-making.

5. Reporting & Process Optimization

• Own weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting cadence.
• Ensure data accuracy and compliance in allocation and trading processes.
• Continuously identify process improvement opportunities.
• Support system enhancement and digital tool adoption initiatives.

SUCCESS METRICS

• Sell-through rate improvement.
• Inventory turn & weeks of cover optimization.
• Replenishment accuracy & service level.
• Markdown efficiency.
• Short-term forecast accuracy.
• Inventory aging control.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 8+ years experience in allocation, merchandise planning, or retail operations.
• Strong understanding of retail KPIs and inventory economics.
• Advanced Excel modeling capability and strong analytical skills.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• High execution capability and strong ownership mindset.