BUY - Allocation Analyst

Overview:

The Paper Store is committed to being the premiere destination for all of our customer’s gift-giving needs. Our mission is to share our passion for The Paper Store with each customer, during each visit, by going above and beyond their expectations for both selection and service. The Allocation Analyst role at The Paper Store is to manage store inventory by reviewing forecasts and store demand to ensure optimal inventory assortment while maintaining profitable inventory levels across the chain. The Allocation Analyst is a highly collaborative role and partners closely with buying and planning to develop, maintain, analyze and execute chain level item plans and allocation strategies for both new and existing product.

Job Responsibilities:

• Communicate with Buyers and Planners on a regular basis regarding all issues related to replenishment/inventory allocation
• Distribute and replenish inventory to stores and ecommerce daily
• Analyze and assess assortment needs for new stores
• Partner with Planner to evaluate product needs at all levels. Bubble up all concerns and recommend solutions
• Validate presentation minimums to ensure enough inventory is available to support planned events: promotions, catalog and print marketing efforts, specific store needs and floor placements
• Execute timely and accurate initial and replenishment distributions that support divisional inventory goals by store
• Work with Planners and Buyers to develop allocation strategies that align with company sales goals
• Make recommendations to Director of Allocation for continuous improvement in Retalon with regards to forecasts, replenishment and inventory turn
• Manage static and dynamic parameters to ensure levels of merchandise at all store locations that will maximize sales and inventory turn 
• Recap and report location and product selling performance
• Analyze selling trends by store/sku level to make recommendations to buying team regarding assortments, presentation quantities, and overall inventory needs
• Ensure timely flow of orders through the company.  From the allocation of product, through the receipt of goods to the warehouse, movement through the distribution center and timely receipt onto the store shelves
• Execute distributions for new store openings and coordinate with the distribution center to ensure accurate and timely "pack and holds" 
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2-4 years related retail experience
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong ability in Microsoft Excel and database applications; including building spreadsheets ad hoc
• MicroStrategy reporting ability a plus
• Extremely detail oriented and willing to analyze down to the lowest level
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and closely with a diverse group of people
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

                                                AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Paper Store provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based upon color, disability, gender, pregnancy (and certain conditions related to pregnancy such as lactation or the need to express breast milk for a nursing child), national origin, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, military status or other legally protected status.  This commitment applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation, benefits, and all other conditions and privileges of employment, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.