Inventory Planning & Allocation ManagerThe OpportunityAs an Inventory Planning & Allocation Manager, you'll play a central role in how product reaches our customers-whether in stores or through digital fulfillment. This role is about more than managing inventory-it's about connecting strategy to execution and leading a team that brings those plans to life every day.
You'll guide inventory decisions across categories, balancing assortment strategy, store capacity, and financial goals to deliver the right product to the right place at the right time. At the same time, you'll lead and develop a team, helping them grow while driving strong execution, thoughtful insights, and continuous improvement. Your work will directly shape business performance and customer experience across the network.
What You'll Be DoingTeam Leadership & Development- Lead, coach, and support a team of allocation analysts, senior analysts, and inventory planners
- Set clear priorities, provide direction, and create opportunities for growth and development
- Build a high-performing, collaborative team focused on delivering results
Inventory Strategy & Planning- Support the development of allocation strategies across assigned categories
- Align inventory plans with financial goals, assortment strategies, and store capacity
- Guide the creation of store-level inventory and sales plans to drive productivity
Performance & Analysis- Monitor category performance through analysis of inventory, sales trends, and store results
- Identify risks and opportunities and take action to improve outcomes
- Use data to inform decisions and influence business direction
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partner closely with Merchandising, Planning, Supply Chain, and Store Operations teams
- Collaborate at a leadership level to influence assortment strategy, product lifecycle decisions, and inventory flow
- Build strong relationships that drive alignment and results across teams
Execution & Accountability- Ensure allocations are accurate, timely, and aligned with overall strategy
- Create consistency and clarity in execution across the team
- Maintain a strong focus on delivering results while adapting to changing business needs
Process Improvement & Innovation- Lead initiatives to improve processes, scalability, and system usage
- Identify opportunities for automation and standardization
- Encourage new ideas that enhance efficiency and team effectiveness
Reporting & Insights- Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for team and inventory productivity
- Communicate insights, trends, and recommendations to leadership in a clear and compelling way
What You'll NeedExperience & Education- 7+ years of experience in retail planning and allocation (home office environment)
- Proven experience building, leading, or influencing teams
- Strong analytical experience
- Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) in a related field preferred
Technical & Business Skills- Strong business acumen with understanding of assortment planning, product lifecycle management, and inventory flow
- Advanced Excel skills required
- Experience with allocation systems (Blue Yonder/JDA, Oracle, or similar) strongly preferred
Leadership & Collaboration- Ability to coach, motivate, and develop team members across different experience levels
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage partners and leadership
- Experience working cross-functionally and building alignment across teams
Ways of Working- Highly accountable with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to think strategically while staying close to execution
- Comfortable navigating change and driving alignment in a fast-paced environment
Preferred- Experience in Merchandise Planning and Allocation
- Store Planning experience is a plus
Perks and Benefits You'll Enjoy! - Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired-wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
- We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you'll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.
