Allocator

ABOUT WSS:

WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values and largest selection of athletic, dress, fashion, and casual footwear for the entire family. Our large store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers.

Founded in Southern California in 1984 by entrepreneur Eric Alon, all WSS stores feature a unique retail format that displays every style and size. This allows customers to browse on their terms, in a hassle-free environment, engaging the friendly and knowledgeable sales staff when they choose. The success of this business model has allowed WSS to continue its rapid expansion into new markets.

WSS is committed to giving back to the communities we serve, sponsoring or participating in over 350 local events each year. Stay connected to us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and at www.shopwss.com.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Allocator is responsible and accountable for driving individual store performance by style, subclass and brand for a given category of business. They achieve this by initiating strategic allocations and consistently analyze their business based on trend to meet financial objectives. They must provide actionable and timely information to continually maximize sales and alleviate risk based upon managing to key metrics. The Allocator position is a highly collaborative role and will work closely with Buying, Planning and Store Operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with Buyer to execute initial merchandise allocation plans incorporating seasonal strategies, analysis of sales and market trends, store inventory levels, demographics, store capacity, sell-through rates, buying quantities, and product content.
• Manage stock levels by brand and subclass on a weekly basis using the Target Capacity Report. This position is responsible for creating and communicating action plans to maintain target capacities.
• Provide proactive and insightful analysis of store performance at the category, brand and item level. Communicate issues and recommend potential solutions to include, but not limited to: store rankings, seasonality and peak selling periods that requires adjustments to metrics, knowledge of future on orders, and hindsight reviews of key selling periods. In addition to retail sales, the Allocator will consider square footage, climate, volume and other unique attributes when analyzing stores with the intent to maximize their financial performance.
• Proactively react to sales trends by adjusting models and ensuring stock is available in the DC or on order to support demand.
• Proactively manage DC inventory and monitor on order to ensure stock levels by size are in line with demand.
• Track and manage inventory movement (transfers) by evaluating sales and margin optimization potential with each transfer request while maintaining a cohesive assortment in each store.
• Using comparable stores, plan-opening levels for new locations, execute orders and track to ensure maximum fill rate. Determine rebalance needs and execute prior to opening.
• Manage stock levels and models for Ecommerce by reviewing sales trends.Maintain correct inventory levels by style in the ecommerce DC to maximize fill rates.
• Communicates with Store Operations team (DM’s and Store Managers) to ensure execution of initiatives and understand store needs and concerns.
• Understand the presentation of the product, where it will be displayed and capacity requirements.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree with 2 years Allocation/Inventory experience required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to effectively demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to prioritize
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and database applications; including building spreadsheets ad hoc and creating macros

WSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis forbidden under federal, state, or local law.WSS is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.