OverviewThe Director of Allocation leads the strategy, processes, and team responsible for product distribution across all WSS retail locations. This role ensures inventory is optimized by store, region, and channel to drive sales, improve in‑stock performance, reduce markdown exposure, and support WSS’s mission of serving diverse, neighborhood‑based communities. The Director partners closely with Merchandising, Planning, Supply Chain, and Store Operations to deliver a product assortment that aligns with customer demand and company financial goals.
Responsibilities
Allocation Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute the company-wide allocation strategy that supports financial plans, assortment intent, and store-level demand patterns.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing allocation team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Establish allocation frameworks that balance sales velocity, store capacity, product lifecycle, and regional customer preferences.
Inventory Optimization
- Oversee initial and replenishment allocations to ensure the right depth and breadth of product across stores.
- Monitor inventory levels, sell-through, and stock-to-sales ratios to identify opportunities for reallocation, transfers, or replenishment adjustments.
- Partner with Planning to align allocation decisions with open-to-buy, receipt flow, and seasonal strategies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Merchandising to understand product intent, launch priorities, and category strategies.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Distribution Centers to ensure timely and accurate product flow, including launch execution and promotional readiness.
- Partner with Store Operations to understand store capacity, local market nuances, and operational constraints.
Analytics & Reporting
- Leverage data-driven insights to guide allocation decisions, including store clustering, demand forecasting, and product performance analysis.
- Develop reporting tools and dashboards that provide visibility into allocation effectiveness and inventory health.
- Identify risks and opportunities related to inventory productivity, recommending actions to improve sales and margin.
Product Launch & Seasonal Execution
- Lead allocation planning for key product launches, ensuring high-demand items are distributed strategically across the fleet.
- Oversee seasonal transitions, ensuring stores receive timely and accurate assortments aligned with marketing and merchandising calendars.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- 8+ years of experience in allocation, planning, or merchandising within a multi-store retail environment; footwear or apparel experience strongly preferred.
- 4+ years of leadership experience managing allocation or planning teams.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Expertise with allocation systems, planning tools, and advanced Excel skills.
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence senior leadership.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
- Experience in value-focused or neighborhood-based retail models.
- Familiarity with WSSs customer base and product categories (athletic footwear, lifestyle footwear, apparel, accessories).
- Experience with omnichannel inventory strategies.
- Strategic Thinking Ability to design long-term allocation frameworks that support growth.
- Data-Driven Decision Making Uses analytics to guide inventory and distribution choices.
- Leadership & Talent Development Builds strong teams and fosters professional growth.
- Customer-Centric Mindset Understands local market needs and tailors allocation accordingly.
- Operational Excellence Ensures accuracy, efficiency, and consistency in allocation processes.
At Foot Locker, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity in all that we do. To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools, including ChatGPT, during interviews and assessments. To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please review the following guidelines:
- Cameras must be on for all virtual interviews.
- AI tools are strictly prohibited during interviews or assessments.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a transparent and equitable hiring experience.
Benefits
BENEFITS:
The annual base salary range is $140-$170k/ year. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. This role is also eligible to receive short term incentives that align with individual and company performance. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the WSS total compensation package, which includes the below.
- Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave
- Life, Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Individual and Family Plans
- Self-Development & Recognition Programs
- Bonus Incentive Program
- Advancement Opportunities
- 401k Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions
- 30%-50% Employee Discount - Friend & Family Events
- Community Engagement Opportunities
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
