At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage inventory allocation and optimise stock across retail stores in EMEA.
- Company: Join SKIMS, a cutting-edge brand redefining modern apparel with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving retail success and enhancing customer experiences.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years in retail planning or inventory management; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
SKIMS is a solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, shapewear, and essentials.
We are setting new standards by delivering technically innovative, comfort-driven products with elevated design for everybody.
At the intersection of culture, innovation, and commerce, SKIMS is a global brand redefining modern apparel.
Our teams are built on creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performance environment where ambitious, curious, and values-driven individuals can do the best work of their careers.
As we continue to expand across EMEA, we are seeking a highly analytical and commercially minded Retail Allocator to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time.
This role is critical to maximizing inventory productivity across our growing portfolio of owned retail stores while supporting exceptional customer experiences.
Position Summary
The Retail Allocator – EMEA is responsible for the day-to-day allocation, replenishment, and inventory optimization across SKIMS' owned retail stores throughout the EMEA region.
Working closely with Planning, Buying, Merchandising, Retail Operations, and Supply Chain, this role ensures inventory is allocated strategically to maximize sales, improve stock productivity, and support new store growth.
The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced retail environment.
They possess strong commercial awareness and use data to make informed allocation decisions that drive business performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute daily and weekly inventory allocations across all EMEA owned retail stores to maximize sales and inventory productivity.
- Monitor store performance, stock levels, sell-through, weeks of supply, and replenishment needs to ensure optimal inventory flow.
- Allocate new product launches, seasonal collections, replenishment inventory, and promotional product based on commercial priorities and demand forecasts.
- Analyze inventory performance by store, region, and product category, identifying opportunities to improve stock productivity and reduce lost sales.
- Partner closely with the Planning Manager to execute allocation strategies that align with financial and inventory plans.
- Collaborate with Buying and Merchandising teams to support assortment strategies and inventory balancing across stores.
- Work with Supply Chain and Distribution teams to prioritize shipments, transfers, and inventory flow throughout the region.
- Manage inter-store transfers to improve inventory productivity and maximize full-price selling opportunities.
- Support new store openings by coordinating initial inventory allocations and replenishment strategies.
- Monitor inventory exceptions, aged stock, and slow-moving inventory, recommending actions to optimize performance.
- Produce weekly allocation and inventory reporting for regional stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate allocation parameters, replenishment settings, and inventory data within planning systems.
- Identify opportunities to improve allocation processes, reporting, and inventory management through automation and continuous improvement.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 2–5 years of allocation, merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail planning experience.
- Experience supporting a multi-store retail business, preferably within fashion, apparel, luxury, or consumer goods.
- Strong understanding of retail inventory management, replenishment, allocation strategies, and stock optimization.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis.
- Experience using ERP, allocation, or planning systems such as SAP, Oracle, Net Suite, Blue Yonder, Anaplan, or similar platforms.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Comfortable working with large datasets and translating data into actionable business recommendations.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Success Profile
- Highly analytical with a passion for retail and inventory optimization.
- Commercially minded and driven by delivering strong business results.
- Proactive and solutions-oriented, anticipating inventory needs before they impact performance.
- Detail-oriented and organized, with exceptional accuracy.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth global business.
- Collaborative, building strong relationships across Planning, Buying, Operations, Supply Chain, and Retail teams.
- Curious and continuously looking for opportunities to improve processes and efficiencies.
- Confident making data-driven decisions that support sales growth and operational excellence.
Benefits, Culture and Perks
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
- Group Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Critical Illness
- Pension Scheme
- Modern Health
- Class Pass
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Retail Allocator- EMEA London Office, London, United Kingdom - Planning employer: Socotra, Inc.
Choco is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation thrives and employees are empowered to make a real impact in the food distribution sector. With a strong focus on professional growth, team members benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, all while working in a vibrant environment that values diversity and collaboration. Located in a hub of technological advancement, Choco offers unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge resources and a network of industry leaders, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Allocator- EMEA London Office, London, United Kingdom - Planning
✨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 Socotra, Inc., 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 Socotra, Inc.!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Allocator- EMEA London Office, London, United Kingdom - Planning
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 Socotra, Inc., 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 Socotra, Inc. 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 Socotra, Inc. that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Socotra, Inc.
✨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!
