Merchandise Allocation (Distributor)

maurices•Duluth, MN

9d•$20 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

The Distributor is responsible for the execution of allocation strategies based on merchandise assortment and inventory strategies resulting in delivering improved margin and a better customer experience. This role involves the timely allocation of product to stores, managing new merchandise allocations, and warehouse inventory for replenishment. The Distributor will collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand product and planning strategies, support floor set timing, and utilize monthly assortment plans to guide allocation decisions. A strong working knowledge of the Allocation system is essential for creating and maintaining relevant data, utilizing auto-allocation functionality, and monitoring its accuracy. The role also includes reviewing and addressing allocations for special project stores, trending stores, and exception stores, as well as assisting in building balanced assortments and monitoring inventory for new and remodel stores. Analysis of business trends, consolidations, and transfers is key, requiring the ability to draw conclusions from reports and make sound decisions based on available resources. Building and maintaining strong partnerships with departments such as Buying, Planning, and Distribution is crucial, involving active participation in meetings, sharing information, and challenging ideas constructively. The Distributor is expected to consistently embody the Company's Leadership Principles.

Requirements

High School education or equivalent required.
Previous retail experience preferred.
Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software technology.
Ability to use MS office suite (excel, word, powerpoint, outlook).
Problem solving skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to prioritize, multi-task, meet deadlines, and remain flexible.
Attention to detail and sense of urgency.
Organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the timely allocation of product to stores.
Responsible for new merchandise allocations and warehouse management of merchandise in reserve to be replenished to stores (new purchase orders, advanced shipping notices, warehouse pulls).
Attend and participate in on-going meetings with cross-functional team to understand product and planning strategy for each category.
Understand floor set strategy/timing and the flow of goods needed to support store sales.
Utilize Monthly Assortments plans to direct allocation decisions.
Develop a strong working knowledge of the Allocation system to execute allocations.
In the allocation system, create/edit/update/maintain relevant combos, attributes, and size models.
Utilize auto allocation functionality to support efficient allocations, and monitor accuracy of the allocation to determine any changes required to the method used.
Review and address allocations for project stores, trending stores and any other exception stores, ensuring allocations are achieving desired results.
Help build balanced assortments and monitor inventory levels pre and post opening for new and remodel stores.
Develop and maximize systems knowledge and where to find necessary data for analysis and continuous improvement of allocations.
Review information and draw conclusions from available reports.
Create sound decisions based on the utilization of all available resources including systems.
Identify risks/opportunities and propose solutions.
Help create and maintain monthly assortments.
Create and maintain strong partnerships (on order meetings, sharing info, department meetings).
Actively participate and listen for understanding.
Courage to challenge and share new ideas.
Allow others to express their thoughts/have an open mind.
Seek out and use resources to improve business.
Discuss strategies with and ask questions of Buyers, Assistant Buyers, Distribution Analysts, Planners, etc.
Consistently embody the Companies Leadership Principles in the pursuit of goal achievement and results.

Benefits

Choice of three medical plans, including a PPO plan or High-Deductible plans.
High-Deductible plans offer the option of a Health Savings Account, with employer contribution.
Dental, and Vision coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care).
Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage.
Voluntary Life, Spouse, and Child Life Insurance.
Long-Term Disability coverage.
Basic Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability coverage (at no cost to associates).
Access to our Wellbeing platform with Personify Health.
Employee Assistance Program available for associates and their families.
401(k) with an immediately vested Safe Harbor matching contribution (eligible after 6 months of employment).
Tuition Assistance program (available after 1 year of employment).
PTO benefits, including vacation (with accrual or flexible options based on role).
Annual sick time awards.
Holiday pay.
Two weeks of New Parent Leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement.
Continuous opportunities for learning.
Connection building through Associate Resource Groups.
For Duluth based associates, free access to a state-of-the-art onsite Fitness Facility.