Allocation Analyst-REMOTE

Job Description:

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

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of retail? As an Allocation Analyst at Designer Brands, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring our stores are stocked with the right products at the right time. This dynamic position offers you the chance to collaborate with various teams and contribute to our financial goals through strategic allocation.

What You'll Be Doing

In this role, you'll be at the heart of our inventory management, making sure our merchandise meets customer demand and supports our business objectives. Your responsibilities will include:

Allocation Strategy

• Product Allocation: Allocate specific product categories, ensuring alignment with the assortment plan and store capacity.
• Performance Analysis: Analyze business performance at the store/item level to determine allocations, based on capacity and aligned with the assortment plan.
• Reporting Management: Develop and manage reporting to support the allocation strategy, including monthly in-store inventory projections and recommending receipt shifts to keep stores stocked.

Communication and Collaboration

• Ad-hoc Reporting: Create ad-hoc reports and analyses, clearly communicating opportunities and risks at the style/color level, or by store and region.
• Cross-functional Meetings: Participate in weekly cross-functional meetings, pre-season planning, hindsight reviews, and Monthly Merchandise Plan Review meetings.
• Store Visits: Visit local stores quarterly to identify assortment opportunities and gather insights.

What You'll Need

To excel in this role, you'll need a blend of analytical skills, retail knowledge, and effective communication abilities. Here are the qualifications:

Required Skills

• Analytical Skills: Strong proficiency in retail math and the ability to analyze data effectively.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly with peers, cross-functional partners, and executive-level associates.
• Organization: Strong organizational skills and self-motivation to solve problems independently
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel knowledge and skills.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to partner with a team to achieve common goals.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing retail dynamics.

Experience and Education

• Experience: 1-2 years of experience in retail environemnt
• Preferred Experience: Allocation experience (preferably using the JDA/ Arthur allocation system)
• Education: BA or BS in a business-related field is preferred.

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