Inventory Planning Analyst

AKIRA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Pet Insurance

Life

LTD

FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA

Flex Transit (CTA)

401(k)

generous employee discount

Job summary

AKIRA in Chicago is seeking an Inventory Planning Analyst to oversee inventory and allocation strategies for our retail stores and online channels. You will analyze performance, trends, and capacity to maximize sell-through while minimizing stockouts.

This full-time on-site role requires collaboration with store teams and the distribution center, weekly meetings, and hands-on execution of allocations and reporting. A passion for fashion and retail is a plus.

Qualifications

• 1+ years in Inventory Planning or related roles.
• Strong numeric and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to communicate insights to leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Interest in fashion/retail industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute inventory health strategies across stores and digital channels.
• Analyze store-level sales, demand trends, and capacity to maximize sell-through.
• Lead weekly cross-functional meetings to align inventory with business needs.
• Execute product allocations and replenishments with DC coordination.
• Support store partners with field requests and store clustering optimization.
• Produce ad hoc reports as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Tools

Excel

ERP software

Power BI

Job description

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position: Inventory Planning Analyst

Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite)

Position Overview:

The AKIRA Inventory Planning Analyst will oversee the development and implementation of Inventory and Allocation strategies across our retail store fleet and digital channels. They will analyze store-level sales performance, demand trends, and inventory capacity to maximize sell-through and profitability while minimizing stockouts and overstock risks. This is a full-time, on-site position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies to drive inventory health in alignment with OTB targets and KPIs,including store capacities, WOS, and ST% for all channels (brick-and-mortar and digital)
• Proactively identify and communicate risks and opportunities through in-depth analysis of inventory health by channel, style attributes, store clusters, sizing, and more
• Efficiently run weekly meetings with cross functional partners to ensure that inventory strategies are aligned with current and future business needs
• Execute allocations of product newness and replenishment through auto and manual processes on a daily basis and proactively partner with the DC team to ensure efficient inventory flow
• Support store partners by responding to field requests in a timely manner, attending store collaboration trips, and through the optimization of store clusters and related inventory strategies
• Quickly produce and analyze ad hoc reports as needed

Candidate Qualifications:

• 1+ years of prior Inventory Planning experience, including internships
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Knowledge of Retail Math, Excel, AI usage, and systems-oriented
• Able to translate detailed analysis and communicate recommendations effectively to an audience of leaders and cross-functional teams
• Successful multitasker who is naturally curious and thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Able to work independently and be flexible
• Efficient and entrepreneurial
• Interest in the fashion/retail industry

Benefits and Perks:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Pet Insurance
• Life
• LTD
• FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA
• Flex Transit (CTA)
• 401(k)
• generous employee discount

We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

Compensation:

At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

Job Type: Full-Time