Allocator

The Guitar Center Company • Frederick, MD

2d • $55,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Allocator is a pivotal role responsible for strategic and tactical planning
of store inventory using an Enterprise Planning Replenishment software system.
The allocator ensures 250 retail stores are stocked properly to meet customer
demand and support achievement of sales goals. This position involves detailed
analysis and cross-functional collaboration to drive inventory management
excellence and support the overall success of the retail business.

About Music & Arts

Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our
teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong
musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and
non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes
from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging
with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by
founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered
printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided
shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better
serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth
and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005,
Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and
orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD,
Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+
retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, supply chain management, computer science, or a related field.
• 1+ years in replenishment planning, inventory management, or supply chain analysis.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong focus on accuracy, precision, and detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Experience in specialty retail or consumer goods industries.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using JDA E3 or similar replenishment planning software is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Strategically configure and maintain replenishment system settings, parameters, and algorithms to enhance store allocations.
• Update and refine system attributes and parameters based on seasonal shifts, promotional calendars, and in-store delivery methods.
• Ensure optimal product availability across all stores, balancing in-stock targets with sales velocity, lead times, and inventory productivity goals.
• Manage inventory across multiple distribution sites.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to replenishment accuracy, in-stock service levels.
• Analyze and address out-of-stock situations by adjusting replenishment parameters, ensuring a seamless shopping experience and minimizing lost sales.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Supply Chain and Store Operations teams to align replenishment strategies with business objectives and promotional activities.
• Manage unique assortments for identified store clusters and implement tailored replenishment strategies for different store segments.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to replenishment accuracy, in-stock service levels.
• Investigate and resolve issues related to replenishment orders, inventory discrepancies, and system errors.
• Participate in testing, implementation and the launch of a new Replenishment Tool.

Benefits

• For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour!
• Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

What This Job Offers

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