Merchandise Retail Allocator

Clare V.•Los Angeles, CA

4d•$65,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Merchandise Planner supports the development and execution of merchandise sales, inventory, and margin strategies to drive business performance and achieve corporate financial goals. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Finance, Production, Marketing, Wholesale, and cross-functional teams to provide timely analysis, actionable insights, and strategic recommendations that support inventory optimization and sales growth. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.

Requirements

Minimum 2–3 years of experience in retail planning, allocation, merchandising, inventory management, or related field
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a resourceful approach to problem-solving
Strong business acumen with the ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions
Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, advanced formulas, reporting, and data analysis
Strong understanding of retail math, inventory management, and merchandising principles
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Customer-focused mindset with the ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships
Detail-oriented with exceptional accuracy and follow-through

Nice To Haves

Experience working with retail allocation, ERP, or merchandise planning systems
Experience supporting omnichannel retail operations and inventory management
Experience with assortment planning, micro-merchandising, and inventory optimization strategies
Experience within fashion, accessories, or specialty retail environments

Responsibilities

Develop and execute weekly and seasonal inventory allocation strategies across all retail sales channels based on sales performance, inventory levels, and business priorities
Analyze store performance, inventory productivity, and sales trends to ensure optimal product placement and inventory investment
Execute inventory allocations to retail stores and ecommerce channels while supporting merchandising and micro-merchandising strategies
Monitor inventory levels and proactively identify opportunities to maximize sales, improve inventory productivity, and support key selling periods
Create and maintain store profiles to support localized assortment and allocation strategies
Support the Merchandising & Planning team in maintaining inventory accuracy across all retail sales channels
Analyze sales trends, inventory performance, historical data, and product movement to identify risks and opportunities
Identify stock shortages, excess inventory, and sales opportunities by location and recommend appropriate inventory actions
Manage product transfers between locations and communicate inventory movement to appropriate stakeholders
Coordinate RTVs, inventory discrepancies, shipment issues, and inventory resolution activities
Manage strategic inventory movement between Wholesale and Retail warehouses to optimize available-to-sell inventory
Partner with Merchandising, Planning, Retail Operations, Warehouse, Customer Service, Marketing, PR, and Ecommerce teams to support inventory initiatives and business objectives
Support Marketing and PR teams with product allocations and inventory tracking for events, campaigns, and promotional initiatives
Act as the primary liaison between Store teams and Warehouse Operations regarding inventory allocation and movement
Support new store openings by coordinating inventory allocations and identifying opportunities to improve allocation processes and operational consistency
Recommend and support improvements to allocation procedures, inventory workflows, and standard operating procedures
Prepare ad hoc reports, inventory analysis, and sales reporting to support merchandising and planning decisions
Provide inventory and allocation insights that support business reviews and strategic decision-making
Assist with order management activities and special projects as assigned