MERCHANDISE ALLOCATOR
REPORTS TO: ALLOCATION MANAGER
STATUS: EXEMPT
Summary
Boot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build each other up, listen intently, and implement out-of-the-box ideas. We celebrate new innovations, congratulate one another’s achievements, and most importantly support each other.
At Boot Barn, we work together to make a positive impact on the world around us, and by working collectively with encouragement, we consider ourselves “Partners.” With the values of the West guiding us, Boot Barn celebrates heritage, welcomes all, and values each unique Partner within our Boot Barn community.
Our vision is to offer everyone a piece of the American spirit – one handshake at a time.
The Merchandise Allocator is accountable and responsible to drive and maximize sales, margin and inventory productivity through effective allocation of merchandise inventory to retail stores and ecommerce. Merchandise Allocators monitor and manage store level inventories through the proper flow of receipts into the stores. They partner with Merchandise Buying, Merchandise Planning and the ECOM Team to ensure in-stock, inventory productivity and assortment business goals are met.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Apply business strategies and initiatives towards assortment and allocation management
- Conduct monthly allocation strategy meetings with Merchandise Buyer and Merchandise Planner
- Execute the allocation strategy to effectively maximize sales and margin plans and maintain the appropriate stock to sales ratios
- Analyze sales and inventory trends at the chain and store level; ensure allocation of receipts results in maximum performance by store; ensure stores are kept in stock with respect to their ability to sell merchandise; partner with planners and merchants on findings and action plans
- Determine store tier rankings based upon bottoms up preseason sales plans
- Conduct reviews of the following to ensure buy quantities and stock levels meet current sales trends:
- Store rankings and indices
- Model stock replenishment items and quantities by store
- Size selling by store; recommend size buys
- Vendor and brand performance by store
- Geographic and seasonal variations
- Accountable for setting up and maintaining store inventory models on basic items for weekly auto replenishment and make adjustments based on sales shifts, promotions, events and discounts
- Analyze performance of new stores; communicate findings and make adjustments based on findings
- Perform pre-season, in season and post-season analysis to identify future opportunities to maximize sales and margin for stores
- Develop and manage selling and inventory reports to support the business and complete ad hoc reporting as needed to drive or react to current or future business conditions
- Manage warehouse inventory and limit out of season liability of product
- Collaborate with Merchandise Buyers and Merchandise Planners to adjust future buys and ensure size breaks are correct
- Partner with the Retail Field Team and communicate seasonal rollout timing, promotional updates, and business performance
- Facilitate problem resolution with IT, Retail Field Team, and Inventory Management as required
- Communicate regularly with DC Team on events that would affect workflow (initial allocation rollout, reserve release, in store only promotions, etc.)
- Manage, prioritize, and execute various ad-hoc project requests in support of Merchandise Buyers, Merchandise Planners and other cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrates high level of quality work, attendance and appearance.
- Demonstrates high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude and teamwork with customers, peers and management.
- Adhere to all local, federal and state laws in addition to Company policies, procedures, and practices.
- Performs any other duties that may be assigned by management.
Qualifications
- Strong communication, customer service, time management and organizational skills.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred
- 3 years of experience in an Allocation, Replenishment or similar inventory management role
- Retail store experience is helpful
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel (Vlookup, Pivot Tables, Macros)
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Outlook
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong aptitude with numbers, retail math skills, understanding of forecasting methodology
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Agile and adaptable to changing priorities
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong sense of urgency
- Strong written, verbal communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
- Knowledge of retail allocation systems, Aptos a plus
Competencies
- Ensure Effective Communication - Listens carefully and attentively to others' opinions and ideas. Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally.
- Establish Trust - Follows through on commitments. Is honest and direct with others. Promotes a culture of respect for, commitment to, and compliance with Company values, beliefs, and standards. Ensures the protection of confidential information.
Boot Barn Benefits & Additional Compensation Opportunities
- Competitive salary.
- Merchandise discount: 50% off of Exclusive Brands and 40% off of third-party brands.
- Paid Time Off plan for year-round Boot Barn Partners.**
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.**
- 401(k) plan with generous company matching.
- Flexible schedules and work/life balance.
- Opportunities for growth at every level – we are opening 50 new stores each year.
**For eligible Boot Barn Partners
PAY RANGE: $68,000.00 - $72,000.00*
*compensation varies based on geography, skills, experience, and tenure
Physical Demands
In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by a Partner to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Standing, walking and squatting less than fifty percent of the work shift.
- Required to lift, move and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to read, count and write to accurately complete all documentation and reports.
- Must be able to see, hear and speak in order to communicate with partners and customers.
- Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
- Manual dexterity required using hands to finger; handle, feel and type; reach with hands and arms.
[ ] Sedentary: Limited activity, no lifting, limited walking
[ X ] Light: Office work, some lifting, bending, stooping or kneeling, walking
[ ] Moderate: Mostly standing, walking, bending, frequent lifting
[ ] Arduous: Heavy lifting, bending, crawling, climbing
Work Environment
In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that a Partner encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.
- The workspace is clean, orderly, properly lighted and ventilated with the proper safety compliance.
- Noise levels are considered moderate.
Boot Barn, Inc. reserves the right to make exceptions to modify or eliminate this document or its content. This document supersedes all previous policies, procedures or guidelines pertaining to this subject.
Our core value of community bands us together in supportive and inclusive ways to drive our collective success. Boot Barn provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, veteran or military status, disability, as well as any other protected status under the law.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Boot Barn will provide reasonable accommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with the application process upon your request as required by applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please visit your nearest Boot Barn Store or Distribution Center or reach out to Human Resources at 1-949-453-4400, Option 4.
California Privacy Notice