Allocation Analyst

Designer Brands • Columbus, OH

1d

About The Position

The Allocation Analyst executes allocation strategies for an assigned product category, ensuring inventory reaches the right stores at the right time in alignment with assortment strategy and store capacity. The role analyzes store- and item-level product performance, identifies risks and opportunities, and recommends actions to improve productivity and in-stock performance while supporting business financial goals. Working closely with Merchandising and Planning partners, the analyst helps shape product flow and inform allocation decisions. The position also contributes to process improvements and automation, develops ad hoc reporting, and communicates analysis and recommendations across teams.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of experience in allocation, planning, analytics, or retail inventory management.
• BA or BS degree required; preferably in a business-related field.
• Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in retail math.
• Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and draw actionable insights.
• Excel knowledge and skills required.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner across teams and levels.
• Ability to clearly share insights, recommendations, and the rationale behind decisions.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable making judgment-based decisions and solving problems independently.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, evolving retail environment.
• Team-oriented, with a shared focus on achieving common goals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with retail allocation systems such as Blue Yonder/JDA, Oracle, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Execute allocations for an assigned product category in alignment with assortment strategy and store capacity.
• Monitor product performance at store and item levels; identify risks and opportunities to improve productivity and maximize in-stocks, and propose actionable recommendations.
• Partner with Merchants and Planning to understand assortment strategies and product life cycles and inform allocation strategy.
• Participate in weekly cross-functional meetings, hindsight discussions, and pre-season discussions.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and automation within the allocation system.
• Develop and maintain ad hoc reporting to analyze performance and support allocation strategy.
• Share insights and recommendations cross-functionally and communicate findings to teams.
• Use data to inform decisions and identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

Benefits

• Free virtual health care.
• Family and fertility benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Hybrid and remote work opportunities.
• Training programs.
• Professional development.
• Education assistance.
• 30% discount at DSW and dsw.com, plus discounts across the company’s family of brands.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level