Director, Planning & Allocation

Position Purpose

The Director of Planning and Allocation is accountable for leading the Allocation team through successful development, execution and communication of store sales, inventory, and receipt plans to maximize store sales and profitability. This is a key role accountable for the continual success and rapid growth measuring and developing talent and ensuring successful operation of teams. This individual will work closely with their peer group in merchandising, store and warehouse operations, as well as with the greater Variety Wholesalers corporate team. He/she will be a critical partner in setting the strategic direction for our allocation organization, in collaboration with the SVP of Planning and Allocation, leading and influencing key strategic initiatives and establishing new processes critical to our continued growth, profitability and future expansion.

Job Scope

Supervisory responsibilities include Allocation Managers and Merchandise Analysts.

Essential Functions

• Develop and oversee cohesive allocation strategies across all climate zones, company profiles, and stores.
• Determine and standardize allocation best practices, as per standard operating guidelines.
• Primary liaison to merchandise teams to determine Merchandise Allocation according to Seasonal Strategies and initial store sets for developed store volume groups
• Primary liaison to merchandise teams to determine Merchandise Allocation according to Seasonal Strategies and initial store sets for developed store volume groups.
• Provide direction and training for merchandise store plans that reconciles with the departments financial plans.
• Evaluate store sales and inventory levels to identify areas of opportunity
• Communicate store opportunities to cross functional retail teams, buying, planning, store operations, field management.
• Provide store insight to Merchants and Planners for creation of seasonal product strategies.
• Manage new store assortment allocations to achieve sales and capacity.
• Management of company P&H’s (pack & hold) including reporting, system coding and coordination with warehouse on changes, as needed
• Weekly reporting (Store Volume Group reports, Warehouse Inventory updates, Exception reporting).
• Drive business analytics to improve performance and maximize sales opportunities.
• Develop, motivate and retain staff. Manage workload and responsibilities of Merchandise Analysts.
• Complete special projects as required.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• BS/BA level education in business related field or its equivalent.
• 10 + years relevant retail experience in a managerial role.
• Possess strong Microsoft family skill set with applicable.
• Systems and AS400 query capabilities preferred.
• Systematic aptitude and knowledge of Merchandise Allocation systems.
• Highly motivated, self-starter.
• Strong organizational, analytical and retail math skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skill.