DIRECTOR STORE PLANNING AND ALLOCATION
General Summary:
The Director of Store Planning & Allocation is responsible for optimizing inventory across multiple distribution centers and a large store network for DSW. This role will leverage data-driven insights to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time, driving sales, profitability, and operational efficiency. The Director will lead and cultivate a key team, while fostering collaboration across the organization to drive business success. This position is HYBRID to our Columbus, OH office.
Reports to: VP – Store Planning, Allocation & Advanced Analytics
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Lead Store Planning & Allocation: Oversee the development and execution of store-level inventory plans, ensuring optimal product distribution across all locations.
• Leverage Analytics: Use data and analytics to guide decision-making and improve allocation strategies, ensuring timely product availability and minimizing excess inventory.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Merchants, Merchandise Planning, Supply Chain, Store Teams, IT and others to align strategies, optimize processes, and achieve business goals.
• Financial Strategy Alignment: Work closely with Merchandise Planning to align store-level strategies with financial objectives, driving profitability and sales.
• Risk Management: Identify and address potential risks in store capacity and product flow, ensuring that any issues are proactively managed.
• Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the team, driving innovation and enhancing efficiency in the allocation process.
• Team Development: Coach and develop a high-performing team, providing guidance and career growth opportunities
• Simplify Complex Information: Ensure that complex inventory and planning information is communicated clearly and concisely across teams, making it actionable and accessible.
Required Skills and Competencies:
• Proven leadership experience in store planning, allocation, or related areas.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent collaboration skills to work across multiple teams and functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience with inventory optimization, financial planning, and risk management.
• Ability to drive change and continuous improvement in processes and team performance.
• Ability to develop and lead a team
Competencies
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP – Deliberately communicates overall business strategy and connects it to the work of the functional team. Anticipates future trends and implications accurately. Leverages market knowledge to anticipate, capitalize on and drive change. Articulate credible pictures and visions of possibilities that will create sustainable value. Creates competitive and breakthrough strategies that show a clear connection between vision and action. Is willing to champion an idea or position despite dissent or political risk. Tackles tough issues, sharing sensitive messages or unpopular points of view effectively. Influences inside and outside of functional area for positive impact on business performance. Owns the development of successors and individuals who have potential for further development.
LEADING & MOTIVATING – Serves as a champion and driver of DSW Values and culture. Attracts and selects the best talent to meet current and future business needs. Motivates and inspires others through rewards, authentic connections and meaningful recognition. Fosters diversity and an inclusive workplace where individual differences are valued and leveraged. Seeks new ways to evolve and challenge self. Develops team through delegation, challenges outside of the comfort zone and effective coaching and feedback. Shares ideas in a compelling manor that gains commitment. Champions change for positive impact on business results.
MANAGING FOR RESULTS – Establishes models and enforces accountability. Gets the most out of available resources and secures rare resources others cannot get. Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders. Persists in accomplishing objectives. Pushes the team to elevate goals as results are achieved. Transforms functional area to achieve maximum results. Seizes opportunities and connects business insights to increase profit and revenue.
Qualifications
Experience:
• 7-10 years of experience in Store Planning, Allocation, Merchandise Planning or related areas
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Inventory Management Systems: Strong experience with inventory management platforms such as JDA/Blue Yonder, or similar, to manage and optimize inventory allocation across multiple locations and distribution centers.
• Proficient in Data Analysis, Demand Forecasting, & Planning Tools
• Excellent Leadership and Team Management
• Strong communication and presentation skills
Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree required