At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment in a major retail environment.
- Company: Join a leading international retailer embracing AI-driven solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, potential for permanent role, and impactful leadership experience.
- Other info: Hybrid role with potential travel across the South of England and Dublin.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail operations and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in retail F,A&R and strong coaching abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Interim Head of Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment (F,A&R)
Contract: 18+ months (full‑time or part‑time considered)
Start: Q3/Q4 2026
Location: London, UK (Hybrid)
Travel: Potential travel in South of England as well as to Dublin, Ireland.
About the Opportunity
Our client, a major international retailer, is transforming its Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment (F,A&R) capability through the implementation of a next‑generation, AI‑enabled planning solution. We're looking for an experienced Interim Head of F,A&R to provide functional leadership throughout this transformation. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys getting into the detail. You'll work day‑to‑day with business teams, super users and technology partners to shape how the new capability operates—reviewing outputs, challenging assumptions, making functional decisions and ensuring the solution reflects the realities of running a large retail operation. Alongside shaping the future operating model, you'll play a key role in building the organisation's long‑term F,A&R capability by coaching super users and helping them become the future owners of the function. There is potential for this role to become permanent following the successful completion of the programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the senior functional lead for Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment throughout the transformation.
- Shape the future operating model, including business processes, governance, roles and ways of working.
- Work closely with business teams and technology partners to define how forecasting, allocation and replenishment should operate.
- Review forecasts, replenishment recommendations and allocation outputs, challenging where required and ensuring they are commercially and operationally sound.
- Define business policies for exception management, overrides and day‑to‑day decision making.
- Bring practical retail expertise to solution design, ensuring it reflects the realities of stores, distribution centres and supply chain operations.
- Work alongside programme teams during design, build, testing and pilot activities, helping resolve functional questions and business decisions as they arise.
- Coach and mentor business super users, supplementing vendor training with practical retail knowledge and helping build lasting capability within the business.
- Support business readiness and adoption, ensuring the new function is equipped to operate confidently from day one.
About You
You’ll be an experienced retail leader with deep expertise in Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment gained within a complex, multi‑site fashion retail environment. You’ll combine strategic thinking with hands‑on operational experience and be comfortable making commercial decisions while leading teams through change. You’ll bring:
- Significant leadership experience in Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment, Replenishment, Inventory Planning or Stock Optimisation, ideally in a fashion retail context.
- Experience designing or evolving retail operating models and embedding new ways of working.
- Deep understanding of store forecasting, allocation and replenishment processes and the operational constraints that influence them.
- Experience implementing or improving forecasting and replenishment capabilities, working closely with business and technology teams.
- Strong coaching and mentoring skills, with experience developing planners, analysts or super users.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with detailed functional problem‑solving and decision making.
Head of FA&R (Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment) employer: Aria Intelligent Solutions
Aria Intelligent Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With comprehensive benefits including private medical coverage, generous annual leave, and unique perks like personal charity days and wellness seminars, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant city of London. Join a community that values innovation and collaboration, where your contributions directly impact leading retailers and FMCG brands.
Contact Details:
Aria Intelligent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of FA&R (Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment)
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Aria Intelligent Solutions, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Aria Intelligent Solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of FA&R (Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Aria Intelligent Solutions, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Aria Intelligent Solutions and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Aria Intelligent Solutions that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aria Intelligent Solutions
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
