Allocation Planner- Corporate Headquarters, Secaucus, NJ

Position Summary:

The Allocation Planner owns end-to-end inventory flow from distribution centers to stores across multiple categories, ensuring optimal product deployment and in-store execution. This role partners cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement in business performance through rigorous forecast review and analysis, effective allocation execution within the JDA system, and the development of data-driven store tiering strategies based on sales performance.

The Allocation Planner is responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels across both E-Commerce and store channels, leveraging an omni-channel perspective to balance demand, maximize sales, and improve inventory productivity.

This role is also accountable for season readiness, including pre-season setup and ongoing management of forecast and inventory exceptions. The Allocation Planner evaluates year-over-year strategy shifts and key performance metrics to inform allocation decisions, ensuring alignment to demand and overall business objectives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Analyze pre-season plans and merchandising strategies to identify meaningful changes versus prior year and assess downstream allocation impact
• Translate top-line buy strategies into actionable store-level allocation plans, optimizing by style, color, and demand patterns
• Proactively identify and execute in-season allocation opportunities across all channels with an omni-channel inventory lens
• Monitor and adjust weekly inventory positions based on sales performance, inventory levels, pricing actions, and emerging trends across both E-Commerce and Stores channels
• Investigate inventory exceptions and forecast variances, conducting root cause analysis to inform corrective actions
• Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Planning, and Visual teams to align weekly strategies and execution priorities
• Ensure clarity and alignment across teams on replenishment strategies, new product flows, and key event readiness
• Analyze store-level sales and inventory trends to recommend adjustments to forecasts, assortments, and allocation strategies
• Provide in-season insights on product performance at the style, regional, district, and store level to inform decision-making
• Develop end-of-season analyses to identify store-level inventory and assortment opportunities for future optimization
• Identify and communicate opportunities to enhance tools, processes, and reporting capabilities
• Demonstrate ownership of personal development through proactive skill-building and continuous learning
• Support leadership with ad hoc analyses and special projects as needed

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 2-5 years of experience in related role

Skills & Behaviors

• Strong analytical capability with the ability to identify trends, patterns, and root causes to inform decision-making
• High level of technical aptitude with comfort navigating systems, tools, and data environments
• Solid understanding of retail fundamentals, including key metrics, terminology, and financial drivers
• Proficiency in BI and reporting tools (e.g., Cognos) with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights
• Knowledge of the inventory lifecycle and its impact on sales, flow, and productivity
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency, ownership, and proactive problem-solving mindset
• Embraces new challenges and adapts quickly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proven ability to build effective cross-functional relationships at all levels of the organization
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate insights and recommendations
• Collaborative team player who contributes to a positive and results-driven work environment

Details:

• Full-time role located in Secaucus, New Jersey
• Hybrid work model includes in-office days on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
• Health, Vision & Dental Insurance for full-time employees
• 401K with employer match program
• Generous employee discount

The Children's Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.