Retail Inventory Manager

Our Company

We believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With more than 280 stores and a robust e-commerce site, Fleet Feet is the largest running retailer in the country. Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it’s a privilege to serve and to deliver unmatched service and support when outfitting every customer. We run together to solve problems, reach goals, encourage others and champion our brand.

Overview

The Allocation Manager leads merchandise allocation for 90 retail stores, ensuring optimal inventory levels to drive sales and maximize in-stock performance. This role manages weekly replenishments, monitors store inventory, and develops seasonal allocation strategies to support sell-through and business goals.

Working closely with Buying, Operations, and Store teams, the Allocation Manager oversees deliveries, transfers, and inventory consolidations while analyzing store performance and inventory productivity. Responsible for key KPIs—including in-stock rates, sell-through, and weeks of stock—the role ensuresdata-driven decision-making to optimize inventory flow and support store success.

This is a hybrid position, with an expectation of working in the office three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of allocations of merchandise to 90 brick & mortar stores to ensure accurate inventory levels.
• Establish inventory monitoring plans and processes to support weekly replenishment demand, in line with forecasted sales, inventory targets, and budget.
• Lead store in stocks, Distribution Center (DC) stockouts, and non-model inventory, raising issues to Buying / Director as needed
• Develop key allocation strategies and approaches to drive sell-through and increase sales on a seasonal basis
• Responsible for store merchandise delivery, transfers, RTVs, and RAs to ensure optimal storeinventory levels
• Conduct analysis on store capacities (as needed basis)
• Work closely with the Operations team to monitor DC outbound performance on a weekly basis
• Collaborate with Director / DC management on weekly DC forecast, special projects, and priorities
• Execute ad hoc Purchase Order submission to the vendor, with alignment from Buying
• Collaborate with the Buying Lead to create in-season inventory consolidations between other channels and stores to enhance sales opportunities
• Monitor product lifecycle and store inventory levels to reduce store close-out inventory along with Buying Lead
• Develop allocations strategy for new store openings/moves, promotions, and expos/events
• Communicate regularly with stores, district managers and Operating Partners to find opportunities and share information cross-functionally
• Review category store sales and store region performance weekly
• Participate in quarterly market/store travel
• Participate in numerous expos/events support
• Analyze in-store app results to help support store allocations and assortment adjustments
  
  
  

Accountable KPIs

• Inventory Forecast vP (variance to plan)
• Weeks of Stock
• Sell-Through %
• Instock % OO Instock %
• Report Ownership
• Weekly Store Performance report
• Weekly Allocations Recap report
• Weekly Inventory Productivity report
  
  
  

Qualifications

• 5 years of multi retail door & multi-distribution purchasing experience required.
• RICS Point of Sale experience preferred
• NetSuite experience preferred
• Experience with Toolio or another allocation tool preferred
• Strong eye for business and retail industry knowledge
• Ability to think strategically about issues and opportunities to accurately assess impacts
• Problem solver who enjoys challenges and takes pride in crafting the right solution
• Excellent communicator with the ability to listen and adapt
• Communicates professionally with the team, stores, and vendors
• Assertive self-starter with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Willing to go above and beyond when needed
• Retail store/market travel expected, 25% travel
• Carrboro, NC based with flexible working days/hours
  
  
  

Benefits

• Robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, and more
• 401(k) with 4% employer match and immediate vesting (available to part- and full-time employees age 21 at company-owned stores)
• Training and advancement opportunities across the Fleet Feet brand
• Professional development programs, including mentorship, employee resource groups, and monthly learning sessions
• Community involvement and service initiatives supporting local engagement
• Discounts on training programs and products
• Supportive, passionate teammates who live the mission every day
• For full-time employees (30 hours/week), check out our Fleet Feet benefits summary for details on healthcare, wellness, and more.
  
  
  

Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodations

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having teams in which everyone brings their whole self to Fleet Feet is key to our success. We encourage people of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Our dedication to inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, workplace culture, and community engagement.

Fleet Feet utilizes E-Verify in all corporate and company-operated stores as part of the hiring process.