Merchandise Allocator

Job Description: Merchandise Allocator Allocates fashion and basic merchandise at sku level and manages basic assortment based on Buyer's intent and allocation objectives. Ensures presentation standards by store are met for advertised items, key items, and hot spots. Leads semi-annual basic assortment review and optimization

Accountable for ensuring stores are in stock and presentation requirements are met for advertised items, key items, and hot spots, and performs actions to best meet individual store needs.

Allocates fashion merchandise at sku level based on the buyer intent and allocation objectives. Performs basic assortment reviews and analysis and manages exceptions and alerts to ensure appropriate customer service levels are maintained.

Reviews and challenges top-down assortment flow plans created by Buyers and bottom-up item plans created by Merchandise Planners to ensure sufficient pre-season quantity is bought to support the coverage needs of key items, advertised items and hot spots. Develops and challenges advertised and graphic color quantities, advertising dates, and MAPQs by grade.

Leads semi-annual basic replenishment assortment review and optimization and recommends appropriate actions including adding or dropping of basic replenishment programs to Buyer and Merchandise Planner.

Develops product knowledge and is the store level expert in regard to product needs and opportunities. Responsible for presenting those needs to the Merchandise Acton Team and determining how best to remedy.

Monitors exceptions on merchandise in-stocks and service levels, and recommends and makes adjustments where necessary to ensure Company objectives are met.

Performs pre-season, in-season, and post-season analysis and reviews to uncover opportunities and risks. Develops recommendations for in-season changes and pre-season assortment plans to ensure maximization of objectives.

Monitors JCPenney warehouse inventory. Prepares analysis of warehouse on-hand, on-order, and backorders and identifies problem merchandise early, and recommends appropriate actions to Buyer and Merchandise Planner.


Education: College degree or equivalent work experience.
Experience: 2+ years of progressively responsible business, merchandising and/or planning and allocation experience. Sound understanding of key performance indicators and elements that drive retail profitability and inventory productivity.

Business planning and financial analysis, analytical skills, ability to influence others, inventory management, operational accuracy, interpersonal communication, and organizational skills.