Merchandise Allocator

newbalance; Lawrence (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Job summary

New Balance seeks an Allocator to develop allocation plans for multiple stores and channels, partnering with buyers to drive sales and margins. You will ensure inventories align with lifecycle timing, maximize in-stock levels, and optimize replenishment across the distribution network.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of allocation experience or 3+ years in retail, plus strong analytical skills, Excel, and familiarity with Diver/Aptos systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and experience in allocation or retail required.
• Strong numeric and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient using Excel and retail systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with buyers and planners on inventory projections to hit turn goals.
• Manage auto replenishment and adjust based on sales trends.
• Track PO flow and distribute inventory to stores and DCs.
• Escalate issues and provide inventory optimization recommendations.
• Develop seasonal allocation strategies and maintain model stocks.
• Analyze style level inventory and communicate risks and opportunities.

Skills

Retail math

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Diver Aptos POS familiarity

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree + 2+ years merchandise allocation experience or 3+ years retail experience

Tools

Diver

Aptos

POS systems

Job description

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Job Mission:

New Balance's Allocator will develop the allocation plan and strategy for a group of stores, categories, or channels with the goal of meeting/exceeding sales and gross margin targets, while maximizing in-stock and inventory turns. The allocator will lead, share information, and partner with buyers in order to help drive buying and pricing decisions. R esponsible to allocate merchandise to ensure stores/channel have the inventory to support sales and margin goals . This is done by having product at the right time, in the right place, at the right quantities, with an understanding of End of Life strategies for each product. Partnering with buyers, determine and maintain store groups and ranks on a seasonal basis . Execute initial set allocations, leverage the allocation and replenishment system to execute each product life cycle allocation, and manage the replenishment strategy.

Major Accountabilities:

• Work jointly with buyers and planners to determine departmental and store level inventory projections and flow to support sales plans and achieve turn goals
• Manage auto replenishment and make adjustments based on sales trend, seasonal factors, and business needs
• Manage and track PO flow and inventory to retail stores or DTC DC.
• Escalate inventory flow issues with buyers and planners and provide recommendations
• Maximize shipping efficiency across the distribution network based on store and consumer location (Right product in the right location at the right time)
• Initiate seasonal Min/Max set-up and replenish key skus on a weekly/monthly basis or as needed .
• Create and maintain auto-replenishment and building model stocks.
• Determine appropriate allocation strategy for product type based on product life cycle to minimize EOL inventory.
• Develop allocation practices that take into account store capacity, demand, and seasonality.
• Provide inventory analysis and reporting that can be leveraged across team
• Identify and implement style curves/seasonality
• Evaluate Weeks of Supply and partner with buyers to execute End of Life Product strategies.
• Responsible for managing the store capacity sheet for inventory risks and opportunities.
• Perform various store level analysis to anticipate the needs of the business.
• Promote positive team environment within the Merchant Team
• Identify strengths and improve performance by supporting multi-skill development
• Must be able to clearly and concisely present analytical data and propose solutions in an organized manner to cross functional team
• Partner with the buying Team on seasonal Calendars, understanding key drivers, promotions, big ideas and new launches
• Develop business relationships with key internal Operations Team (Warehouse, Customer Care, IT, etc.)
• Partner with the buyers to analyze style level inventory and communicate risks/opportunities
• Partner with operations and distribution center for inventory flow and collaboration.

Requirements for Success:

• Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 2 + years of merchandise allocation experience or 3 + years of retail experience in a high volume store
• Strong retail math and analytical skills
• Intermediate to Advanced computer skills (Excel)
• Excellent communication skills-including written, verbal and listening
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload and manage competing priorities
• Proficient in Diver, Aptos and POS systems is a plus

Lawrence, MA Corp Only Pay Range: $59,500.00 - $76,300.00 - $93,000.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

Regular Associate Benefits:

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks - opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs - that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword - it's part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medica