Senior Store Allocation Manager

AKIRA • Chicago, IL

4d • $110,000 - $135,000 • Onsite

About The Position

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company. The Position: Senior Store Allocation Manager Location: Chicago (In-Office) The Role: The Senior Manager, Store Allocation will lead AKIRA's company-wide allocation strategy and manage a team of three category allocators. This leader will design the future-state allocation model while operating in a fast-fashion environment with high SKU count, heavy newness, and stores across a wide range of footprints You will own the rollout and integration of a new AI-enabled allocation tool, redesigning workflows so the team can use both AI-driven insights and strong business judgment. This role is ideal for someone who is analytical, hands-on, and skilled at building effective processes in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

• Experienced allocation leader with fast-fashion or high-SKU specialty retail experience
• Analytical and structured, with strong Excel skills and comfort with data-driven decisions
• Practical and adaptable, able to use both simple and advanced tools to make clear, thoughtful decisions
• Skilled at balancing boutique nuance with scalable frameworks
• Comfortable managing allocation strategy across stores of different sizes and needs
• Strong communicator with high emotional intelligence
• Positive, solutions-oriented, and effective at cross-functional collaboration
• A builder who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys improving processes

Responsibilities

• Lead Allocation Strategy
• Own AKIRA's end-to-end inventory allocation approach and build a model that balances store nuance with scalability.
• Define how inventory moves pre-season, in-season, and post-season.
• Determine which store differences matter most and where workflows can be standardized.
• Develop allocation logic that supports heavy newness, short product lifecycles, and limited replenishment.
• Build Effective Processes and AI-Enabled Workflows
• Lead adoption of the new AI allocation tool and guide the team on effective use.
• Streamline manual processes, including Excel tools, decision frameworks, and replenishment routines.
• Establish guidelines for store-to-store transfers and train the team on when and how to recommend them.
• Create processes that support just-in-time allocation for stores with limited storage space.
• Execute Weekly Inventory Management
• Oversee weekly allocations and replenishment across all categories.
• Recommend starting inventory levels and product mix for new store openings.
• Analyze store performance and adjust allocations based on trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead and Develop the Allocation Team
• Manage and develop a junior team of three category allocators.
• Set KPIs, establish processes, and provide clear weekly expectations.
• Build analytical skills and strong decision-making across the team.
• Foster a positive, calm, professional team culture that balances urgency with thoughtful execution.

Benefits

• AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount.
• We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities.
• Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA's growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you're filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed