Store Planner, Apparel & Accessories

Skechers•Manhattan Beach, CA

2d•$80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Store Planner, Apparel & Accessories, oversees a team of allocation analysts and optimizes apparel inventory distribution across Skechers’ retail network in the USA and Canada. The role ensures products are allocated to the right stores at the right time to maximize sales and profitability while minimizing markdowns and transfers. It reviews sales trends, collaborates with buyers, and partners with merchandise financial planning to support retail financial plans. The position uses store-level reporting and analysis to manage inventory by product category, gender, and product class; maintain size integrity; coordinate inventory transfers; and guide seasonal allocations. It collaborates with merchandising, planning, supply chain, and store operations teams on allocation strategies, deliveries, demand forecasting, assortment planning, and store needs. The Store Planner also identifies process improvements and coaches and trains retail allocators.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in retail allocation, inventory management, or a similar role.
Proven track record of building, managing, and mentoring talent and improving team performance and employee development.
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions.
Advanced knowledge of retail math and inventory management principles, including familiarity with sell-through, weeks of supply, and turn.
Deep understanding of apparel allocation principles, including seasonal cadence, size integrity management, and floor-set execution timelines.
Proactive approach to identifying and solving inventory challenges, including out-of-stock mitigation.
Attention to detail and accuracy in data analysis and reporting.
Strong work ethic and organizational skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex ideas concisely and communicate across organizational levels.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-departmental collaboration.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with allocation software.

Nice To Haves

Experience in footwear retail is preferred but not required.
Experience with allocation software such as O9, Blue Yonder, or Oracle Retail.

Responsibilities

Oversee a team of allocation analysts and optimize apparel inventory distribution across the USA and Canada retail network.
Monitor and adjust store inventory by product category based on sales performance, promotions, seasonal demand, and capacity constraints.
Use allocation software and systems to execute distribution plans and ensure consistent product replenishment.
Tailor allocation strategies to individual store needs, customer profiles, and local demand patterns, including recommending style expansions and contractions to the buying team.
Mitigate out-of-stock situations for top styles in top-performing stores.
Own store-level reporting and analysis across gender and product class metrics, using sales-to-inventory ratios to identify imbalances and develop solutions.
Maintain size integrity for core apparel by monitoring size curves and replenishment patterns.
Build relationships with merchandising, planning, and store operations teams to align inventory goals and strategies.
Coordinate in-season and end-of-season transfers to rebalance inventory, minimize markdowns, and improve productivity of on-hand goods; partner with store operations and merchandising to execute transfers cost-effectively and on time.
Contribute localized insights to demand forecasting and assortment planning discussions, informing future buy decisions, assortment strategies, and pre-distribution plans.
Ensure seasonal allocations are accurate and on schedule to support in-store presentation.
Work with supply chain and store operations to ensure timely and accurate deliveries, including new-store and special-event allocations.
Identify allocation process improvements and collaborate with the director of retail allocations to implement and document best practices and communicate them to retail allocators.
Coach and train retail allocators to support team development.