Distribution

General overview

Distribution, along with Planning and Logistics, is a blend of forward planning and a response to sales performance. It involves complex data analysis, liaison with stores, buying and merchandising and balancing warehouse and store stock levels. You'll need a head for figures, be able to prioritise and communicate effectively as well as a lively interest in the fashion industry

Types of roles

• Stock Distribution Manager
• Senior Analyst / Distributor
• Analyst / Distributor

If you are interested in any of these roles please click here to find out if we have opportunities available.

This team reports into the Stock Distribution Manager.

Profile

Jennie Crisp
Senior Branch Analyst
Dorothy Perkins

"Whether I am in the office or out in the field the primary focus of my job is to drive sales in stores by ensuring they have the right products for their market and customer. My week is normally divided between the office, where I will be analysing store profiles and working closely with store managers, area managers and other functions of the brand such as planning, distribution and logistics, while other days are spent out visiting stores.

Days in the office can be spent compiling reports for directors and other managers, responding to store e-mails and telephone calls, analysing store profiles to ensure that they have the correct stock.

Days out visiting stores will be based on area so I will go to a particular area of the country and see several Dorothy Perkins stores, usually accompanied by the area manager. Visiting stores means that you can see what you need to focus on in that particular store and also the impact of what you have been working on.

Organisational skills are vital to this role as you manage your own workload, so time management and being able to prioritise are key. A huge part of this job involves working with store managers and area managers so good communication skills are essential to achieve the best results. This job requires the individual to be confident and assertive in what they do, both in the office and out in the field and being able to question things that you are doing to ensure that you achieve the best results.

I began my career with Arcadia five and half years ago as a part-time sales advisor in my local Wallis store. When I moved away and went to University I transferred my job to the Wallis store where I was studying and was able to transfer between the two branches as and when I was at home or University. This was fantastic as it allowed me to continue working throughout my studying.

After three years of studying and before graduating I applied for a role in Distribution at Arcadia's Head Office. I was successful and transferred my part-time role at Wallis to work in Distribution for Dorothy Perkins. After a year of working as a Distributor on various departments including knitwear, jersey and shoes, I applied to become a Branch Analyst, in the Branch Trading team and have now been in this role for over a year, achieving Senior level in May 2007.

I enjoy working with so many different people from various functions of the brand both in head office and out in the field. I mostly enjoy going with the area managers and seeing different stores, as this is when I can really make a difference to their stock package and ultimately their sales."