Allocation Analyst

Hot Topic, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hot Topic, Inc. is seeking an Omni-Channel Allocation Analyst to analyze demand, identify assortment opportunities, and position inventory across channels. You will develop allocation strategies, support peak-season flow, and collaborate with buyers and cross-functional teams to reduce inventory liabilities.

The role emphasizes strong Excel skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to balance priorities in a dynamic retail environment.

Qualifications

• BA degree required.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Clear verbal and written communication.
• Able to balance competing priorities.
• Positive, adaptable mindset.
• Retail allocation experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop omni-channel allocation strategies including initial allocations, re-orders and replenishment from backstock.
• Analyze in-stock position for never-outs and provide assortment recommendations to buyers.
• Develop seasonal allocation strategies to support inventory flow during peak periods across channels.
• Implement test-style performance analyses and roll-out recommendations with cross-functional teams.
• Identify re-order opportunities from a bottoms-up perspective and optimize size scales for your areas.
• Perform ad-hoc analyses as needed.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

BA degree

Job description

Do you love numbers and being analytical? We are looking for an Omni-Channel Allocation Analyst to join our team! In this role you will perform data analysis to anticipate customer demand, locate assortment opportunities, and accurately position the inventory. Here at Hot Topic we are open to fresh perspectives, and this role provides the opportunity to get creative when it comes to problem-solving.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop a thorough understanding of your categories’ business through frequent analysis
• Applying your learnings, you will create omni-channel allocation strategies. These strategies include initial allocations, re-orders, and replenishment from backstock
• Analyze in-stock position regularly for company defined “never-outs”
• Provide assortment recommendations to buyers to ensure appropriate depth and all-store to layer ratios
• Develop seasonal allocation strategies to support the flow of seasonal inventory during peak periods. Maintain optimal inventory placement across channels and identify potential inventory gluts in-season. Partner with cross-functional team to reduce inventory liabilities post-peak
• Provide test style performance and roll-out recommendations to the cross-functional team
• Identify re-order opportunities and provide recommendations from a bottoms-up perspective
• Create and maintain size scales and grades (volume indices that determine a store’s depth and breadth of assortment) for your areas.
• Ad-hoc analysis as needed

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• BA degree
• A thorough understanding of Microsoft Excel
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills
• Ability to flex between working independently and within a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• A positive outlook and the ability to adapt to change
• Retail allocation experience preferred but not required

Our company participates inE-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’seligibility to workin the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.