Team Lead Allocation (Fixed term contract) (m/w/d)

Reports to: Head of Retail Merchandising
Direct Reports: 7 Allocators
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover)

The Role

As Team Lead Allocation, you will lead the allocation team across BESTSECRET’s European Premium and Outlet stores. You will be responsible for making sure the right products are in the right stores at the right time, helping us maximise sales, availability and stock productivity.

You will set the allocation strategy across Europe, working closely with Merchandising, Planning and Retail teams to respond to customer demand and store performance. This includes initial allocation, replenishment, stock balancing and the flow of excess and ageing stock into our Outlet stores.

You will also lead and develop a team of seven Allocators, while improving the way we use data, systems and processes to make allocation faster, simpler and more effective.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the European allocation strategy across Premium and Outlet stores.
• Set store-specific assortments based on sales performance, customer demand, location, store format and capacity.
• Manage initial allocation, replenishment, stock balancing and inter-store transfers.
• Ensure the right product depth and size mix to support availability and conversion.
• Develop the allocation strategy for our Outlet business and manage the flow of excess and ageing stock.
• Balance full-price sales, stock productivity and margin recovery.
• Use data and demand signals to improve allocation decisions and store performance.
• Improve and simplify allocation processes and make greater use of automation.
• Work with SAP and other allocation systems to improve the way the team operates.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of seven Allocators.
• Work closely with Merchandising, Planning and Retail teams across our European markets.

What You’ll Bring

• 8–12+ years’ experience in retail allocation, merchandising, merchandise planning or a similar role.
• Strong experience in store-based retail, ideally across several European markets.
• Experience leading and developing a team.
• A good understanding of retail KPIs, store economics and inventory management.
• Experience working with allocation systems such as SAP.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn data into clear, practical decisions.
• A commercial mindset and a good understanding of the different needs of Premium and Outlet retail.
• A hands-on approach and a good understanding of what really matters at store level — from space and stock levels to customer demand and conversion.
• Someone who enjoys improving processes, simplifying ways of working and getting things done.

What We Offer

• A 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave, with the opportunity to make a real impact on an important area of our retail business.
• Hybrid and flexible working, in line with our approach to remote working.
• A friendly, collaborative and international team in a fast-moving environment where you can make a real difference.
• The opportunity to shape processes and bring new ideas to the way we manage our retail allocation.
• Attractive employee benefits, including access to BESTSECRET fashion offers.