Allocation Analyst, Inventory Management (Hybrid)

***This will be a hybrid role on-site three days per week in Hoffman Estates, IL*** ​

About the Role

The Allocation Analyst, Inventory Management is the primary user of Blue Yonder Inventory Systems for Allocation and Replenishment / Fulfilment for both Fashion and Core products. The Allocation Analyst is responsible for managing the timely allocation of new and repeat stock to the North American stores, ensuring that sales plans are achieved, and stock utilization is maximized, for current and new stores.

Main Responsibilities

• This role builds and updates item/location eligibility by channel & location grade based on AP strategy and product life cycle in season direction/alignment with cross-functional partners (buying/planning/Ecom).

• Responsible for hindsight data prep from previous seasons with analysis and recommendations

• Independently creates and directs the allocation strategy for area of responsibility in support of assortment plans and ensures consistency and accuracy of tactical actions.

• Proactively develops recommendations for in-season changes and pre-season assortment plans and flow to ensure maximization of objectives subject to approval by the Manager

• Responsible for managing the timely delivery and allocation of new and replenished stock, ensuring that sales plans are achieved, and stock utilization is maximized, for current and new stores.

• They must ensure that they deliver on their projects in a timely manner, working with tight deadlines and delivering outstanding service by communicating and working with key areas of the business, with a high focus on store operations and field teams while analyzing information and challenging decisions when necessary. 

Delivery, Allocation & Replenishment/Fulfilment

• Utilize BY/DA to Pre-Allocate scheduled receipts of Fashion newness, push allocate stock from the DC as needed and end of seasonal life prior to Markdown.

• Review key parameters for Auto Allocation & edit Weeks of Sales’, ‘Weeks of Supply’ & ‘Seasonal Factor’ to ensure builds and de-builds are accounted for.

• Set Allocation constraints in DA (Max on Hand and/or Presentation Minimums for Fulfilment)

• Review Weekly DC on hand vs. demand need for Core/RPL product (communicate to Buying/Planning, where there is an opportunity to improve receipt flow).

• Review and action system generated exceptions for Core/RPL product – action as necessary.

• Create Supplemental DC to Store transfers within BY Fulfilment as necessary.

• Review aging/outstanding DC to Store transfers/open Vehicle Load Lines – communicate with DC, Buying, Planning & Store Operations as necessary.

Weekly Business Review

• Attend and actively participate in weekly departmental team meetings, where Buying and Planning review sales and stocks from the previous week and relate performance to the original departmental strategy, resulting in suggested future product development, repeats, cancellations and rephasing of stocks

• Take ownership and proactively manage stocks based on sales performance focusing on In-stock/sell-thru and exception resolution to support sales and inventory turn optimization, highlighting findings and actions to the Manager, Buying, and Planning team.   

• Prioritize focus on the top Core/RPL items to ensure sales are maximized through exception resolution, recommending receipt flow adjustments to on-order, pushing additional out of the DC, and creating or adjusting minimum presentations.  Communicating Actions to the Director/Manager, Buying and Planning team.

• Manage the Allocation Feedback intake and track; effectively action and communicate with field teams.

Monthly/Seasonal Business Review & Buy Trip

• Support Monthly/Seasonal hindsight reviews from previous seasons and plan for future seasons with analysis and recommendations.

• Conduct Store visits to better understand customer experience and in-store merchandise presentations.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Provide recommendations to optimize allocation strategy by changing need variables, current year, and prior year weeks range with alignment of Manager

• Planning and Analysis

• Identify opportunities to maximize sales and margin.

• Utilize exception management to prioritize focus on top SKUs and top Stores as well as course-correct underperforming SKUs and Stores

Qualifications

• Proficiency BY SCPO (DA & Fulfillment applications) 

• Working knowledge of AS400 

• Strong attention to detail

• Excellent communication skills

• Strong critical thinking skills

• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

• Proficiency in excel

Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as your relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Benefits for full time employees included medical, dental and vision insurance, voluntary welfare plans, bonus plan eligibility, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time, and more! 

Benefits for part time employees included voluntary welfare plans, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time, and more!

Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.