Allocation Analyst-HYBRID

Designer Brands Inc. • Columbus, OH

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As an Allocation Analyst, you’ll play a central role in how product shows up for
our customers—deciding what goes where, when it matters most. This role is ideal
for someone who enjoys turning data into action, spotting patterns others might
miss, and influencing outcomes through thoughtful analysis and collaboration.

You’ll be responsible for executing allocation strategies for a specific product
category, ensuring the right inventory reaches the right stores at the right
time. Working closely with Merchandising and Planning partners, you’ll help
shape product flow, improve in-stock performance, and support financial goals
across the business.

This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role where your ideas, analysis, and
curiosity directly impact store performance and customer experience.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of experience in allocation, planning, analytics, or retail inventory management
• BA or BS 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 are required
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner across teams and levels
• Ability to clearly share insights, recommendations, and rationale behind decisions
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Comfortable making judgment‑based decisions and solving problems independently
• Able 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 preferred (Blue Yonder/JDA, Oracle, or similar)

Responsibilities

• Execute allocations for an assigned product category, aligned to assortment strategy and store capacity
• Ensure inventory levels support store needs while balancing productivity and availability
• Analyze product performance at both store and item levels
• Identify risks and opportunities that affect in-stocks and overall productivity
• Translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations
• Collaborate closely with Merchants and Planning partners to understand assortment strategies and product life cycles
• Participate in weekly cross‑functional meetings, hindsight reviews, and pre‑season discussions to inform allocation decisions
• Develop and maintain ad hoc reporting to track performance and support allocation strategies
• Communicate findings clearly and effectively to cross‑functional teams, using data to highlight trends, risks, and opportunities
• Contribute to process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and automation within allocation systems

Benefits

• Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more.
• We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
• Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com , plus discounts across our family of brands.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees