Assistant Manager/Deputy Manager - Allocation Planning

About the Role

We are looking for a highly analytical and detail-oriented Assistant Manager / Deputy Manager Allocation Planning to manage the allocation and replenishment of inventory across the store network.

This role plays a key part in ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time to maximize sales, minimize stockouts, and drive profitability.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in retail merchandise planning, inventory control, and data-driven decision-making, along with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with buying, supply chain, and store operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

- Monitor, track, and manage inventory levels across multiple stores, channels, or regions.

- Ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing overstock and markdowns.

- Support pre-season and in-season planning with robust replenishment strategies.

- Develop and execute allocation strategies based on store performance, customer demand, product lifecycle, and seasonal trends.

- Allocate new product launches and replenishments to maximize sales and inventory turnover.

- Support category-specific allocation based on assortment plans and planograms.

- Work closely with the Merchandising, Buying, Demand Planning, Supply Chain, and Store Operations teams to align allocation and replenishment strategies.

- Participate in cross-functional meetings to provide updates on stock health, allocation performance, and replenishment needs.

- Analyze historical sales data, sell-through rates, and trends to inform future allocation decisions.

- Prepare and deliver actionable reports on stock availability, store performance, and allocation effectiveness.

- Monitor key KPIs such as Weeks of Cover, Stock-to-Sales Ratio, Sell-Through %, and Inventory Turn.

- Mentor junior team members and assist in setting performance goals.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in allocation tools, reporting, and processes.

- Identify and implement best practices in allocation and replenishment.

Key Skills and Attributes

- Strong analytical and quantitative skills ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.

- Proficient in Excel, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar), and allocation planning tools.

- Excellent organizational skills, able to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.

- High attention to detail and structured approach to work.

- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Self-motivated with a proactive mindset and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

- Strong team spirit, collaborative attitude, and willingness to go the extra mile.

- Goal-oriented with a high sense of accountability and ownership