Allocator

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.

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.

You'll 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
• Ability to be part of a team sharing and learning ideas
• Retail industry experience and experience in a retail customer focussed role

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)
• 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.

National Trust place

Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA

Documents

Allocator - Career Level B.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 16 August 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 24 August 2026

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.