Windsor is currently seeking a Merchandise Allocator to join our Windsor Family at our Corporate Headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, CA. As a member of the Allocation Department, you will be expected to represent Windsor and its mission statement with integrity. This role is responsible for driving sales, maximizing gross margin productivity, and optimizing inventory turnover across the chain, serving as the analytical link connecting Buying, Merchandise Planning, DC, and Stores/Visuals teams. Critical to executing a fast-paced, event-driven fashion assortment, the Merchandise Allocator will execute data-driven unit allocations, manage replenishment, and continuously monitor category velocity metrics. You will be tasked with facilitating the allocation and replenishment of a specific product category to all stores, using standard processes to maintain optimum stock levels at the distribution center and retail stores. The ideal candidate is energetic, organized, determined, fashionable, and self-driven-someone who possesses a natural curiosity about the business, takes genuine pride in their work, and looks for ways to improve a process rather than waiting to be asked. We are looking for an individual who thinks above and beyond the immediate task, demonstrating the ability to work both collaboratively within a team setting and with a high degree of independence.
Essential Job Functions:
- Execute merchandise allocations by incorporating seasonal strategies, weekly allocation/shipment targets, sales trends, key event calendars, store inventory levels, store capacity, sell-through rates, buying quantities and product content.
- Resolve store and distribution center inquiries regarding allocation and inventory by applying an understanding of assortment strategies and supply chain nuances.
- Facilitate bi-weekly allocation strategy meetings to align on business goals.
- Collaborate with Merchandise Planners and Buying teams to identify growth opportunities, optimize store-level assortments, and mitigate underperforming business.
- Generate full price sales and inventory reports to monitor store inventory levels to ensure stock levels are maintained according to volume ranks and customer demand.
- Provide recommended buy-break quantities that align receipts with monthly OTB targets
- Optimize inventory levels using data-driven insights to mitigate stock-outs and minimize excess inventory.
- Interpret data, communicate findings, and collaborate with the team on action plans.
- Foster strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure seamless communication and alignment.
- Maintain full ownership and accountability for the end-to-end PO allocation process for all assigned departments/categories; ensure seamless execution, as the allocator is the primary driver of all inventory movements within their scope.
- Proactively identify and communicate risks and opportunities to leadership to ensure agility in business decisions.
- Manage PO appointment calendars, ensuring pre-allocations are completed at least one day prior to each appointment.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Experience: 1+ years of merchandise allocation experience, or relevant experience in areas such as Assistant Buying, Assistant Planning, or Replenishment Analysis.
- Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, specifically with lookup formulas (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP), Pivot Tables, and logical functions.
- Retail Math: Strong understanding of core retail math concepts, including calculations for sales velocity, inventory turn, W.O.H. (Weeks on Hand), and sell-through percentages.
- Problem Solving: Excellent analytical skills with a proven ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable solutions.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to foster strong cross-functional partnerships.
- Soft Skills & Mindset: Positive, respectful, and highly reliable with a proactive "owner" mindset. Must be self-motivated with a natural curiosity to understand the "why" behind the data, taking pride in delivering high-quality work and thinking above and beyond standard requirements. Proven ability to operate with excellence both as a collaborative team player and as an independent, autonomous contributor.
- Time Management: Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and perform effectively under pressure.
- Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to learn new software, systems, and skill sets quickly and efficiently.
- Passion for Fashion: Genuine interest in the fashion industry and up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends.
- Education: Bachelors degree in Fashion, Management, or a related field (e.g., Design, Logistics, Textiles, Supply Chain, Merchandising) preferred.
Physical/Environmental Demands and Overtime & Availability:
Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to walk short distances. Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a small amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Adequate movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Team members are required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
- Job descriptions are merely a summary of the position. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and may include any other that management finds necessary to successfully maintain business operations.
WINDSOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER