Merchandise Allocation Manager

Our Heritage: An American Original Since 1977

Founded on the Upper East Side of New York City by brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin, J.McLaughlin was built on a simple idea: great style feels personal.

From a single neighborhood shop to nearly 200 stores nationwide, we have always believed in being local and loyal—to our customers, our communities, and one another. Today, nearly 1,000 employees bring the brand to life across the country, from Maine to Maui.

For over 20 years, our corporate home has been in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration continue to shape our next chapter.

Giving back is part of who we are. We support the communities we serve through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a belief that businesses should leave places better than they found them.

Overview

We are seeking a Merchandise Allocation Manager to join our Planning and Allocation team, reporting to the Head of Planning & Corporate Strategy. This role is responsible for optimizing inventory flow across stores and digital channels to maximize sales, margin, and inventory productivity. This role leads allocation strategies, manages a team, and partners cross-functionally with Merchandising, Planning, Supply Chain, and Store Operations to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate data into actionable allocation decisions in a nimble DTC retail environment

while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule, dependent on role and business needs.

About the role

Essential Functions*:

Allocation Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute allocation strategies by channel, region, and store cluster to drive sales and optimize inventory productivity
• Manage initial allocations and replenishment strategies based on demand, store capacity, and sales trends
• Continuously evaluate and adjust allocation plans based on performance, seasonality, and emerging trends
• Optimize inventory flow to support new product launches, promotions, and markdown strategies
• Partner cross functionally to manage end-of-life strategies to optimize margin and minimize aged inventory

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze key business metrics including sell-through, weeks of supply (WOS), and inventory turn with recommended actions to improve KPIs
• Identify risks and opportunities and proactively recommend actions to improve performance
• Build and maintain reporting tools and dashboards to monitor allocation effectiveness

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Merchandising and Planning to align assortment strategies and financial targets
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure timely and efficient product flow
• Communicate allocation strategies and updates to Store Operations and leadership 

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop allocation analysts or associates
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Set clear goals and performance expectations for team members
• Build and lead a high performing team; develop talent and champion change

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve allocation processes, systems, and tools
• Drive efficiencies through automation and best practices
• Support system implementations, upgrades, and process transformations

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Other related duties as assigned

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What we are looking for

Skills & Requirements:

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to access and navigate various department at the organization's facilities.

Benefits at a Glance

At J.McLaughlin, we design our benefits with the same care and intention as our product. Our benefits are designed to support well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
• Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
• Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Pay Transparency & Disclaimer

$90,000 - $110,000, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

 Compensation and benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. J.McLaughlin reserves the right to modify compensation and benefit programs at any time, in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity

J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.