Allocation Manager | Temporary

Hilversum, reference 2026-00431

Job description

At our client, the Allocation Manager plays a critical leadership role in translating business strategy into clear, actionable execution. With a strong focus on sport and retail performance, you will connect product, process, and people to drive optimized product flow and informed decision-making.
As a key representative of the Allocation function, you will confidently engage with stakeholders at all levels, influencing decisions, building strong relationships, and communicating with clarity—even in challenging situations.
Key Responsibilities;

• Own and drive Allocation KPIs across assigned business areas
• Lead weekly trade meetings, translating insights into clear actions aligned with strategic priorities
• Identify risks and opportunities, providing proactive recommendations to stakeholders and senior leadership
• Communicate business performance effectively across different audiences

Decision Maker

• Make data-driven, solution-oriented decisions grounded in business context
• Empower team members to confidently own and communicate their decisions
• Prioritize effectively in fast-paced environments, ensuring clarity on decision rationale
• Navigate cross-functional complexity through strong stakeholder alignment and transparent communication

Team Leader

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team (3–5 direct reports)
• Foster a feedback-driven culture, addressing development areas early while celebrating success
• Build future leaders by role-modeling ownership, curiosity, and accountability
• Support team members in confidently presenting to stakeholders and leadership

Systems Thinker

• Connect cross-functional processes to improve end-to-end product flow from buy to store
• Lead or sponsor initiatives introducing new tools and processes, ensuring strong adoption
• Drive continuous improvement with a focus on simplicity, scalability, and efficiency
• Anticipate upstream and downstream impacts, aligning stakeholders to solve complex challenges

Technical & Analytical Ownership

• Lead demand planning and forecasting activities using advanced analytical methods
• Integrate data inputs such as sales, promotions, customer insights, and market trends
• Develop accurate short-term and seasonal forecasts to support business performance
• Apply statistical analysis and data-driven tools to validate and improve demand plans
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship within the planning function

Requirements

What You Bring:

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in Retail Allocation, Retail Operations, Store Management, or in-season business management
• Proven track record in leading and developing teams with an empowerment mindset
• Strong business acumen, analytical capability, and retail math skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and influence senior stakeholders
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trust and drive alignment
• Systems-thinking mindset with the ability to understand dependencies and trade-offs
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and lead through change with clarity and confidence
• Continuous improvement mindset, challenging the status quo and driving scalable solutions
• Passion for retail, product flow optimization, and developing people and processes

Working conditions

Contract via Undutchables and competitive secondary benefits.This position is a temporary role.Start date: 01.04.2026Est. end date:31.10.2027Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position

Work location

Hilversum

Company description

Our client is a big player in the retail space.

Good to know

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Recruiter contact

Elcin Arici, Eindhoven
elcin.arici@undutchables.nl
+31(0)6-18093399