Retail Allocation Analyst

Allocation Analyst

The Paper Store is committed to being the premier destination for all our customer’s gift-giving needs. Our mission is to share our passion for The Paper Store with each customer, during each visit, by going above and beyond their expectations for both selection and service.

The Allocation Analyst is responsible for managing store inventory by reviewing forecasts and store demand to ensure optimal inventory assortment while maintaining profitable inventory levels across the chain. The Allocation Analyst is a highly collaborative role and partners closely with buying and planning to develop, maintain, analyze, and execute chain level item plans and allocation strategies for both new and existing product.

The Allocation Analyst reports directly to the Allocation Manager.

COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of corporate responsibility. Takes personal ownership and responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Ensures that actions are consistent with words.
• Communication: Communicates information with consistency and clarity; uses active listening to effectively understand and provide feedback. Adjusts communication style to suit the audience to promote engagement and increase understanding.
• Creativity and Initiative: Forward-thinking, recognizes opportunities and finds new ways of doing things and implements improvements whenever possible. Encourages creativity and innovation.
• Professionalism: Maintains a professional and positive manner even under changing or uncertain conditions. Works well with a wide range of individuals to provide support, encouragement and direction. Engages others to accomplish organizational and departmental goals. Is seen as a role model.
• Personal Development: Displays self-awareness, a high level of energy, persistence and a positive outlook. Continuously seeks ways to improve and learns from mistakes and constructive feedback.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be a TPS brand ambassador
• Manage the daily execution of initial and replenishment allocation by store to optimize sales, margin, and inventory turn, and strong in-stock levels across assortments
• Review e-commerce and store forecasts and evaluate whether they are consistent with the locations’ potential to sell
• Ensure timely flow of orders through the company. From the allocation of product, through the receipt of goods to the warehouse, movement through the distribution center and timely receipt onto the store shelves
• Work closely with Planners and Buyers to define allocation strategies, assortment plans and initial inventory levels. Communicate on a regular basis regarding all issues related to replenishment/inventory allocation
• Work closely with warehouse staff to correct any issues with orders and maintain case pack data to ensure efficiencies in product processing across the chain
• Develop, allocate and monitor store opening assortment and unit plans for both new stores and remodel stores that ensure appropriate opening stock levels
• Develop thorough knowledge of store, district, and regional level performance, variances, trends and attributes (store and product) through extensive data analysis and communication with the field and applying knowledge to allocation strategies
• Validate presentation minimums to ensure enough inventory is available to support planned events: promotions, catalog and print marketing efforts, specific store needs and floor placements
• Recap and report location and product selling performance utilizing different custom reporting systems
• Make recommendations to Director of Allocation for continuous improvement with regards to forecasts, replenishment, and inventory turn
• Participate in ongoing training regarding technology advancements and process improvements
• Partner with peers to share best practices and maximize system knowledge
• Perform other ad-hoc inventory management tasks, as needed

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2-4 years related retail experience
• Strong analytical/quantitative skills
• Highly proficient in Excel
• Knowledge of MicroStrategy reporting a plus
• Positive with a collaborative interpersonal style and a growth mindset
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Ability to effectively multi-task, prioritize and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic business environment
• Ability to work 3 days/week at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA
• Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance

The Paper Store is an equal-opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law.