Position Summary:
The Allocation Planner owns end-to-end inventory flow from distribution centers to stores across multiple categories, ensuring optimal product deployment and in-store execution. This role partners cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement in business performance through rigorous forecast review and analysis, effective allocation execution within the JDA system, and the development of data-driven store tiering strategies based on sales performance.
The Allocation Planner is responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels across both E-Commerce and store channels, leveraging an omni-channel perspective to balance demand, maximize sales, and improve inventory productivity.
This role is also accountable for season readiness, including pre-season setup and ongoing management of forecast and inventory exceptions. The Allocation Planner evaluates year-over-year strategy shifts and key performance metrics to inform allocation decisions, ensuring alignment to demand and overall business objectives.
Key Accountabilities:
- Analyze pre-season plans and merchandising strategies to identify meaningful changes versus prior year and assess downstream allocation impact
- Translate top-line buy strategies into actionable store-level allocation plans, optimizing by style, color, and demand patterns
- Proactively identify and execute in-season allocation opportunities across all channels with an omni-channel inventory lens
- Monitor and adjust weekly inventory positions based on sales performance, inventory levels, pricing actions, and emerging trends across both E-Commerce and Stores channels
- Investigate inventory exceptions and forecast variances, conducting root cause analysis to inform corrective actions
- Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Planning, and Visual teams to align weekly strategies and execution priorities
- Ensure clarity and alignment across teams on replenishment strategies, new product flows, and key event readiness
- Analyze store-level sales and inventory trends to recommend adjustments to forecasts, assortments, and allocation strategies
- Provide in-season insights on product performance at the style, regional, district, and store level to inform decision-making
- Develop end-of-season analyses to identify store-level inventory and assortment opportunities for future optimization
- Identify and communicate opportunities to enhance tools, processes, and reporting capabilities
- Demonstrate ownership of personal development through proactive skill-building and continuous learning
- Support leadership with ad hoc analyses and special projects as needed
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- 2-5 years of experience in related role
Skills & Behaviors
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to identify trends, patterns, and root causes to inform decision-making
- High level of technical aptitude with comfort navigating systems, tools, and data environments
- Solid understanding of retail fundamentals, including key metrics, terminology, and financial drivers
- Proficiency in BI and reporting tools (e.g., Cognos) with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights
- Knowledge of the inventory lifecycle and its impact on sales, flow, and productivity
- Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency, ownership, and proactive problem-solving mindset
- Embraces new challenges and adapts quickly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Proven ability to build effective cross-functional relationships at all levels of the organization
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate insights and recommendations
- Collaborative team player who contributes to a positive and results-driven work environment
Details:
- Full-time role located in Secaucus, New Jersey
- Hybrid work model includes in-office days on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
- Health, Vision & Dental Insurance for full-time employees
- 401K with employer match program
- Generous employee discount
The Children's Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
