At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Forecasting, Allocation & Replenishment in a major retail environment.
- Company: Join a major international retailer embracing AI-driven solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible contract options, hybrid work, and potential for permanent role.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and coaching future leaders in the business.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail operations and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in retail F,A&R and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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) in London 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
