Associate Inventory Planner - Men's Athletic Apparel

Dick's Merch & Supply Chain, Inc; Petaluma Center (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

DICK’S Sporting Goods in Petaluma, CA is seeking an Associate Inventory Planner who collaborates with AR Managers, Merchandise Planners and Buyers to implement allocation and replenishment strategies that optimize inventory across stores and channels. You will build store plans, ensure correct assortments, and monitor inventory levels by location to support sales, margin and turn goals.

The role requires strong analytics, Excel proficiency, and the ability to train interns and merchandise

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3–5 years in merchandise allocations and/or planning.
• Advanced Excel skills: VLOOKUPs, pivots, formulas.
• Experience with JDA Allocations and/or E3.
• Strong mathematical, analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Allocate bulk purchase orders using the Allocations system.
• Place replenishment purchase orders.
• Maintain inventory levels by store location to support goals.
• Partner with AR Managers, Buyers for allocation and replenishment strategies.
• Review instock reporting for key items.
• Determine actions to correct instock issues promptly.
• Train and mentor interns and merchandise trainees.
• Manage item eligibility through ITEL for areas of responsibility.

Skills

Merchandise allocations

Planning

Advanced Excel

JDA Allocations

E3

Strong mathematical skills

Training experience

Strong communications skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Excel

JDA Allocations

E3

Job description

At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve. If you are ready to make a difference as part of the world’s greatest sports team.

OVERVIEW

In collaboration with the A/R Managers, Merchandise Planners and Buyers, the Associate Inventory Planner facilitate and implement Allocation and/or Replenishment strategies for the mid-level businesses that they support. These strategies will determine how to most effectively utilize our inventory to support the merchandise plan, advertising, regional, and competitive initiatives. Build new store plans and ensure that new stores open with the correct assortments and appropriate inventory levels.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Allocate bulk purchase orders using the Allocations system.
• Place replenishment purchase orders.
• Maintain proper inventory levels by store location to support sales, margin and turn goals.
• Partner with the AR Manager and Buyers to identify opportunities and action plans for merchandise allocation and replenishment buy strategies.
• Review regular instock reporting for key and advertised items.
• Determine actions to correct instock issues in a timely manner.
• Utilize knowledge of customer needs/wants to make decisions regarding system settings, processes, and procedures to maximize the experience of internal and external customers, both in-store and through our omni-channel operations.
• Facilitate meetings with Buyers and Merchandise Planners on item flow based on ladder plans, replenishment forecasts, OTB, and advertising schedule.
• Determine next steps from these outcomes.
• Partner with AR Manager/Inventory Planner to manage and oversee cluster creation for areas of responsibility.
• Train and mentor Interns and Merchandise Trainees.
• Manage and oversee item eligibility through the Item Eligibility (ITEL) application for areas of responsibility.
• Ensure proper assortment within allocation systems and instock reporting based on climate, regionality, seasonality, etc.

Overall Analysis

• Analyze and communicate product, size, color and regional inventory needs.
• Partner with Buyers and Size Profiling team to review size, color, and seasonal profiles down to store level to ensure appropriate buys and allocations.
• Work with vendors to improve order fill rates, raise issues on lead time, and provide projected inventory need for future months’ orders.
• Recommend and execute inventory re-balancing opportunities, as necessary.
• Research and respond to store merchandise needs and wants.
• Participate in Regional and Store specific conference calls to identify and action store needs and opportunities.
• For new and existing stores: Collaborate with Merchants to create merchandise financial and assortment plans for new stores.
• Monitor new store performance after opening to ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained.
• Create ad-hoc analysis to react to current and future business trends and present findings to AR Manager/Inventory Planner, Buyers and Merchandise Planners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree 3-5 years of experience, including 2+ years’ experience in merchandise allocations and/or planning.
• Advanced level Excel skills (Vlookups, pivot tables, advanced formula calculations)
• JDA Allocations and/or E3 experience required
• Strong mathematical skills
• Training experience required
• Strong communications skills

VIRTUAL REQUIREMENTS

At DICK’S, we thrive on innovation and authenticity. That said, to protect the integrity and security of our hiring process, we ask that candidates do not use AI tools (like ChatGPT or others) during interviews or assessments. To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please note the following: Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews. AI tools are not permitted to be used by the candidate during any part of the interview process. Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include ID verification. If you have any questions or need accommodations, we’re here to help. Thanks for helping us keep the process fair and secure for everyone!

ACHIEVING SUCCESS AT DICK’S SPORTING GOODS

Everything we do is focused on helping athletes achieve their dreams. Accomplishing this takes a team of people committed to being their best. That means learning, growing, advancing and exploring new experiences. Advancing in our career is much like a climbing wall; it isn't always a vertical path. Climbers plan their path, make moves in every direction and reach further. Whatever direction you want to explore, we encourage you to be brave, curious and hungry for new experiences. We are the athletes, the coaches, the energy in the stands, and the fans that fill them. The referees that call the games and the neighbor that can’t wait until the next one. The sports enthusiasts that wake up and strive to reach our personal best. We are DICK’S Sporting Goods – a community united by our passion for sport, standing together in our pursuit of our best. What we bring to the game is what we believe will change it. By upholding the values that strengthen our performance, fosters collaboration, and ignites our desire to win, we actively demonstrate the impact and change we inspire when we work as one.