Allocation Analyst II

columbiasportswearcompany; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company seeks an Allocation Analyst II to optimize store allocations, manage assortment, and drive sales and margins. You will partner with planning to develop inventory plans, monitor performance, and adjust strategies based on store needs and forecasts.

The role combines analysis with hands-on coordination across stores, planners, and merchants to ensure timely replenishment and balanced stock levels. Hybrid work in Portland area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3+ years of allocation/planning experience preferred.
• Strong MS Excel skills and planning tools proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Execute product distribution by plan and monitor inventory performance.
• Manage store inventory levels, options, and capacity for openings/events.
• Balance by department per plan and sales trends down to SKU level.
• Analyze sell-through and stock levels; forecast future needs.
• Track key items, store inventory levels, and DC inventory.
• Coordinate receipt flows and communicate with stores/merchants.

Skills

MS Excel

Allocation planning tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Applicable certification or equivalent experience

Tools

Allocation/planning systems

Job description

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.

The Allocation Analyst II supports stores through assortment and inventory management with the purpose of maximizing sales, margins, and product turnover. Partners with planning to help develop and manage retail store allocation plans.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Executes assortment by distribution of product according to plan and monitors productivity of inventory according to sales, gross margin, and turnover goals for each store.
• Responsible for overall inventory levels for each store. Manages the number of options and total store capacity, new store openings, and special events.
• Maintains balance by department according to plan or sales trends down to SKU level, including new styles and replenishment of basics.
• Analyzes sales-to-stock ratios to ensure proper distribution and reorder of product.
• Responsible for the management and tracking of key items. Tracks sell through by store, store inventory levels, DC inventory, and future forecasts.
• Responsible for timely and balanced receipt flows into stores.
• Communicates with store management regarding product needs, future on order, and delivery dates.
• Communicates with merchants regarding contract levels to ensure liquidation of product according to plans and identifies product opportunities and liabilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YOU ARE

• Problem Solving: Solves complex problems and develops independent creative solutions based on the evaluation of multiple options.
• Decisions: Independently analyzes issues of a diverse scope and functions with a moderate degree of autonomy. Receives minimal direction, seeks guidance for highly complex issues.
• Knowledge: In depth knowledge of principles, concepts, and theories within own discipline and working knowledge of related disciplines. Applies broader knowledge of industry standards/practices to assignments and others.
• Business Acumen: Understands best practices; is aware of the differences between the company and its competition in the supported function. Understands how their own functional area integrates with others to deliver results.
• Communication & Influence: Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus. May provide process and subject matter advice.
• Impact: Work performed will have impact on cross-functional projects beyond the department.

YOU HAVE

• Bachelor's degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of related allocation/planning professional experience preferred.
• Strong competency with MS excel and the various allocation/planning tools, systems, or procedures required to accomplish the job.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we're proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family's financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to [e-mail] with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.