Sr. Allocation Analyst

Designer Brands; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Hybrid/Remote work

Education assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Designer Brands in Columbus, OH is seeking a Senior Allocation Analyst to blend data, strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to maximize inventory performance across assigned categories.

You will partner with Merchandising, Planning, and Store Planning teams, develop reporting tools, and drive improvements to allocation processes while mentoring Allocators. Strong analytical skills and Excel expertise are essential to translate data into actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of allocation, planning, analytics, or retail inventory management.
• Advanced Excel and data interpretation skills.
• Experience with retail allocation systems preferred.
• Strong business acumen with product lifecycle understanding.

Responsibilities

• Own and optimize allocation strategies for assigned categories.
• Analyze performance at store and item level to identify trends and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Planning, and Store Planning partners to align strategies.
• Develop reporting and analytical tools that support informed decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to improve allocation processes, systems, and scalability.

Skills

Allocation

Planning

Analytics

Inventory mgmt

Tools

Blue Yonder/JDA

Oracle

Job description

About Designer Brands

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

The Opportunity

At Designer Brands, inventory is more than product on a shelf. It's about ensuring customers can find the styles they love when and where they want them. As a Senior Allocation Analyst, you'll play a key role in making that happen. In this role, you'll blend data, strategy, and partnership to help maximize inventory performance across assigned categories. You'll use insights to inform allocation decisions, identify opportunities, and influence strategies that support customer demand and business goals. Working closely with Merchandise, Planning, and Store Planning teams, you'll help create inventory solutions that drive results while improving processes and ways of working. You'll also serve as a trusted resource for the allocation team, sharing expertise, supporting development, and helping elevate best practices across the organization.

What You'll Be Doing

Drive Inventory Strategy & Performance

• Own and optimize allocation strategies for assigned categories, aligning inventory decisions with assortment strategies, store capacity, customer demand, and financial objectives.
• Analyze performance at the store and item level to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Recommend and implement actions that improve in-stock levels, inventory productivity, and overall business performance.
• Monitor inventory flow and make adjustments to support changing business needs.

Partner Across the Business

• Collaborate with Merchandising, Planning, and Store Planning partners to align allocation strategies with broader business initiatives.
• Contribute insights that help shape assortment decisions and inventory placement strategies.
• Communicate recommendations clearly and effectively to cross-functional teams and leadership.

Leverage Data & Insights

• Develop and maintain reporting and analytical tools that support informed decision-making.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for business partners.
• Use data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Improve Processes & Systems

• Lead and support initiatives that enhance allocation processes, system functionality, automation, and scalability.
• Identify opportunities to simplify workflows and improve consistency across allocation practices.
• Help drive adoption of tools and best practices that improve team effectiveness.

Support Team Growth

• Serve as a resource and mentor for Allocators, sharing knowledge, coaching on best practices, and supporting professional development.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the team.

What You'll Need

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in allocation, planning, analytics, or retail inventory management.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Advanced analytical and retail math skills, with the ability to transform complex data into meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with retail allocation systems is preferred.

Business & Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong business acumen, including an understanding of product lifecycle management, assortment strategy, and inventory flow.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with effective execution.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to present ideas and recommendations effectively to cross-functional partners and leaders.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams to achieve shared goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with retail allocation systems such as Blue Yonder/JDA, Oracle, or similar platforms.

Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy!

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com, plus discounts across our family of brands.