Allocator - GUESS

Job description / Role

GUESS is a globally recognised high fashion brand offering the latest trends in accessories, womens, mens and childrens fashions.

With over 70 stores located around the GCC this is a great opportunity to become part of a dynamic work environment and get involved in the expansion and future growth of this exciting brandThe Retail Allocator maximizes sales and profitability by maintaining correct stock levels by store, analyzes and communicates location performance, including sales/inventory ratios, turnover, seasonality, size demographics, and marketing impacts, and develops store/department distribution strategies that capture the identified location-based opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Performance Analysis:

* Collaborates with cross-functional team to define ownership and manages replenishment.
* Works with cross-functional team to ensure timely and accurate execution of new store assortments and quantities.
* Develops performance reports to determine appropriate allocation for maximum results.
* Develops in store stock analysis by size for key classifications. First priority is denim, as it is a company high focus area.
* Reviews performance to determine appropriate allocation for maximum results.
* Communicates out-of-stock concerns to the Buying and Planning teams.

Performance and Financial Goals Achievement:

* Ensures timely and accurate execution of new store assortments as well as initial distributions and replenishment for existing locations.
* Maintains correct stock levels by store.
* Meets or exceeds sales, gross margin and inventory turn goals.
* Analyzes and communicates location performance, including sales/inventory comparisons, seasonality and marketing impacts.
* Develops departmental distribution strategies to capture location-based opportunities through quantifying volume and profit opportunities analysis.
* Follows product from receipt at the Distribution Center, to point of allocation and complete receipt at store level. This is most important at floor set time periods.

Field Communication

* Participates in weekly cross-functional meetings to share information on current business issues.
* Develops knowledge of regional variances and store attributes and trends through data analysis and field communication.
* Develops effective field relationships to capture location opportunities and / or liabilities.

Requirements

Job Requirements:

* Minimum three year allocation management experience with a proven track record for driving sales and profit results in a large multi-brand, multi-location retailer.
* Personal computer and detailed report analysis skills.
* Allocation system experience at a power-user level for minimum of 3 years.
* Bachelor degree or equivalent preferred.
* Uses sound judgment when making decisions.
* Act with integrity and respect.
* Adapt to changes required by the business.
* Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast paced environment.
* Ability to organize and prioritize; demonstrate logical analysis and problem solving skills.
* Ability to make high-quality decisions reflecting an appropriate sense of urgency.
* Ability to manage promptly and independently also unexpected events and issues.
* Knowledge of basic merchandising, planning and the retail industry.
* Clear understanding of distribution strategies and how to impact bottom-line profitability through allocation analytics and execution.
* Effective listening, clear presentation, verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to work as a member of a team.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.