Allocation Analyst

The Paper Store•Acton, MA

1d•$58,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Allocation Analyst drives inventory efficiency across retail locations to maximize sales, minimize stockouts, and reduce excess inventory. The role evaluates sales trends, inventory levels, store performance, and demand forecasts to make data-backed allocation decisions. It works cross-functionally with buying and planning teams to execute allocation and assortment strategies across locations. The position is based at the Corporate Office in Acton, Massachusetts, with on-site work required four days per week. It is an entry-level opportunity; prior professional experience is not required. The employer is TPS Group Holdings, a family of brands including The Paper Store, Uncharted, and Gifts & More.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, business, analytics, or a related field.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and VLOOKUP.
Basic analytical and quantitative skills, with comfort working with data and drawing insights.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines independently in a fast-paced environment.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and quality, with proactive problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Collaborative, resourceful, and self-motivated approach, with commitment to a positive, solution-oriented work environment.
Professional presentation in attire, demeanor, and appearance.
Ability to work on-site at the Corporate Office in Acton, MA, four days per week.

Nice To Haves

Internship or experience in retail, buying, planning, or merchandising.

Responsibilities

Execute daily system-driven allocations and replenishments to support sales, margin, inventory turns, and in-stock levels.
Review store-level and e-commerce forecasts for alignment with sales potential and inventory capacity.
Analyze inventory data and store trends to improve product availability, reduce stockouts, and minimize excess inventory on slow-selling products.
Analyze store, district, and regional performance data and use location-level trends to support allocation decisions and inventory alignment.
Partner with planning and buying teams on allocation strategies, initial inventory levels, assortment plans, replenishment, and inventory needs.
Maintain presentation minimums and style/store eligibility for merchandising standards and store-specific assortment needs.
Review style forecasts and support appropriate inventory levels for promotional events and catalog drops.
Monitor product flow from allocation through warehouse receipt, distribution center processing, and store delivery; report issues or delays.
Work with warehouse teams to resolve order discrepancies and maintain accurate case-pack data.
Facilitate inter-store transfers to support buyer-led assortment strategies or optimize sell-through of end-of-life merchandise.
Execute initial inventory plans for new and remodeled locations, set targets using like-volume and assorted-store performance, and monitor post-launch results.
Recap and report product- and location-level performance, presenting findings and actionable insights to cross-functional partners.
Identify and report forecast discrepancies and replenishment inefficiencies to the Allocation Manager.
Participate in ongoing training on system enhancements and process improvements.
Support testing of new system releases for functionality and usability.
Complete additional tasks assigned by management.