National Trust
Merchandise Allocator
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Allocator - Fixed-term Contract
We’re looking for an Allocator to join our team at the National Trust on a fixed-term basis. You will be responsible for making sure the right products are in the right shops, in the right quantities, at the right time. The role combines analytical skills, attention to detail, commercial awareness, and strong collaboration with the merchandising, buying, supply chain, and store operations teams.
This is a fixed term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months.
What it's like to work here
The National Trust shops are hubs of excitement - we source products both locally and nationally to tell the story of the places we care for and ensure our visitors feel the spirit of wherever they may be. As an Allocator, you'll play a key role in making this happen by ensuring stock is distributed effectively across our retail network. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine a love of retail with a commercially focused mindset, working as part of a supportive team that is passionate about delivering great results and making a difference.
Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office 2 days a week. However, there is flexibility on where you’re based at other times. You’ll be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll be doing
As an Allocator, you'll play a key role in supporting the delivery of successful retail ranges, using your excellent organisational and analytical skills to ensure stock is managed effectively across our retail estate.
- Manage stock allocation and replenishment activities, ensuring products are in the right place at the right time to maximise availability and sales opportunities.
- By maintaining accurate data and supporting the flow of stock throughout its life cycle, you'll play an important role in helping the team deliver inspiring retail ranges and generate income that supports the places we care for.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in the role.
Who we're looking for
- Knowledge and understanding of merchandise planning processes and systems
- An understanding of the key drivers of business and profitability including sales, margin, discounts, etc
- Highly analytical and numerical
- Organisation and communication skills
- Attention to detail/accuracy
- Ability to be part of a team sharing and learning ideas
- Retail industry experience and experience in a retail customer focussed role
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location