Allocation Manager

Confidential; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential, a leading retailer, is seeking an Allocations Manager to lead the end-to-end merchandise allocation process across all channels, including full-price stores, outlets, and e-commerce. This role requires a highly analytical, detail-oriented leader with deep knowledge of allocation, replenishment, and assortment management.

You will oversee inventory flow, optimize product distribution, monitor stock levels and in-stock KPIs, and partner with Planning, Merchandising, and Operations to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years in merchandise allocation, planning, or inventory management in retail.
• Strong retail math and allocation methodologies understanding.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; experience with analytics tools is a plus.
• Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make strategic recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee allocation strategies across retail, e-commerce, and outlet channels.
• Partner with Planning, Merchandising, and Operations to optimize sell-through and minimize excess inventory.
• Analyze sales performance and inventory by location, category, and SKU to guide decisions.
• Lead pre-season and in-season allocation planning based on history and trends.
• Monitor replenishment programs to maintain stock and meet in-stock KPIs.
• Manage Allocators/Analysts, providing guidance and performance feedback.
• Communicate trends and opportunities to cross-functional teams.
• Identify discrepancies and improve data accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with store teams to understand regional opportunities and flow.
• Refine allocation methodologies with Planning and Buying to improve forecasting.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance/related field

Tools

Excel

Full Circle

QlikView

Job description

We are seeking an Allocations Manager to lead the end-to-end merchandise allocation process across all retail channels, including full-price stores, outlets, and e-commerce. This individual will oversee inventory flow, optimize product distribution, and ensure alignment with financial and merchandising goals to maximize sales and profitability.

This position requires a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of retail allocation, replenishment, and assortment management.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee merchandise allocation strategies across retail, e-commerce, and outlet channels to support financial and merchandising objectives.


• Partner with Planning, Merchandising, and Operations to develop and execute allocation strategies that drive sell-through and minimize excess inventory.


• Analyze sales performance and inventory levels by location, category, and SKU to inform allocation and replenishment decisions.


• Lead pre-season and in-season allocation planning based on sales history, store capacity, and product trends.


• Monitor core replenishment programs, ensuring product availability and achieving in-stock KPIs.


• Manage a team of Allocators/Analysts, providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.


• Communicate business trends and product opportunities to cross-functional teams.


• Identify inventory discrepancies and develop solutions to maintain data accuracy and operational efficiency.


• Collaborate with store teams to understand regional opportunities and optimize product flow.


• Partner with Planning and Buying to refine allocation methodologies and improve forecasting accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).


• 3+ years of experience in merchandise allocation, planning, or inventory management within a retail environment.


• Strong understanding of retail math and store allocation methodologies.


• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; experience with Full Circle, QlikView, or similar systems is a plus.


• Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make strategic business recommendations.


• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.