Allocator

Cato; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cato Corporation in Charlotte, NC is seeking an Allocation Merchandiser to allocate merchandise to stores in line with monthly strategies and buyer grids. You will coordinate closely with Allocation Supervisor and buyers to ensure timely, accurate store allocations that reflect assortments and forecasted performance.

Proficiency in JDA Allocation and OBIEE reporting, strong numerical skills, and excellent communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree required in Fashion Retailing or Business.
• Minimum 1 year retail experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Allocate all merchandise in accordance with guidelines established by Allocation Supervisor based on monthly allocation strategy, assortment plans, buyer grid meetings and store performance.
• Implement any special attention allocation store needs based on information/lists from Allocation Supervisor or Manager of Allocation.
• Allocate replenishment styles weekly based on approved guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records of hold stores or new store development store inventory position. Allocate as appropriate to hit specified targets by department/class, ensuring appropriate opening inventory levels.
• Using available information in JDA Allocation and OBIEE, provide all necessary business information to the teams.
• Use all available reports to better understand and analyze store performance.
• Maintain ongoing communication with store and field personnel, relay feedback to merchandising staff, answer store merchandising questions whenever appropriate, etc
• Visit stores in general vicinity of corporate office
• Attend weekly and monthly touch base meetings with Allocation Supervisor or Manager of Allocation
• Attend grid meetings monthly with buyers for area of business to see assortment for next month’s receipts; note specific allocation instructions in JDA comments after grid meeting/product review meetings
• Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned

Skills

Mathematical aptitude

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Responsible for the allocation of merchandise to the stores. Allocations must be completed accurately, on time and in accordance with established guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Allocate all merchandise in accordance with guidelines established by Allocation Supervisor based on monthly allocation strategy, assortment plans, buyer grid meetings and store performance
• Implement any special attention allocation store needs based on information/lists from Allocation Supervisor or Manager of Allocation. These might include e-commerce, hit lists, all tags, all store buys (ASB), trend lists, store ops initiatives, etc
• Allocate replenishment styles weekly based on approved guidelines
• Maintain accurate records of hold stores or new store development store inventory position. Allocate as appropriate to hit specified targets by department/class, ensuring appropriate opening inventory levels
• Using available information in JDA Allocation and OBIEE, provide all necessary business information to the teams
• Use all available reports to better understand and analyze store performance
• Maintain ongoing communication with store and field personnel, relay feedback to merchandising staff, answer store merchandising questions whenever appropriate, etc
• Visit stores in general vicinity of corporate office
• Attend weekly and monthly touch base meetings with Allocation Supervisor or Manager of Allocation
• Attend grid meetings monthly with buyers for area of business to see assortment for next month’s receipts; note specific allocation instructions in JDA comments after grid meeting/product review meetings
• Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor degree required. Fashion Retailing or Business degree a plus

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 1 year retail experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Mathematical aptitude
• Working knowledge of Excel and Word
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Equal Opportunity Employer
Drug-free workplace
You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by the company.