Allocation Associate, Physical Retail

Allocation Associate (L1)

Wayfair Physical Retail

This is a hybrid role based in Boston, MA. Associates are required to be in-office Monday - Thursday, Friday is remote optional. 

**Wayfair is unable to offer immigration related sponsorship or relocation services for this position.**

Wayfair’s Physical Retail team is seeking an Allocation Associate to support the Physical Retail Planning and Allocation of inventory into both our large-box (Wayfair) and Specialty Retail Branded (Joss & Main, AllModern, Perigold, Birch Lane) stores. This role will be a part of the Physical Retail Team supporting and executing the allocation strategy as we stand up and scale stores across North America. We believe there is a white space in the brick-and-mortar market and an opportunity to create a differentiated retail experience that showcases the breadth and depth of our catalog. The Allocator will help bring that experience to life by tactically executing the strategy.   

We are seeking a motivated individual who can collaborate effectively to drive sales and profitability and ensure customer satisfaction in our physical retail business. The Allocation associate will work closely with the Planning and Allocation leaders as well as Supply Chain, B2B Partners  and Store Operations teams to ensure in-store inventory availability and the achievement of sales and inventory turn goals.  They will be responsible for the execution of the ordering and tracking inventory to support new store openings and in season replenishment. 

This role is based in Boston and reports to the Manager of Planning + Allocation, Physical Retail, with significant cross-functional and cross-brand responsibility, as well as responsibility to contribute in building a best-in-class process, reporting and tools. The Allocator will be hands-on with allocations execution, problem-solving and identifying opportunities in the process. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual to gain an operational foundation in physical retail.  

Responsibilities:

• Create and execute allocation strategies for new store launches and existing store replenishment in close collaboration with B2B, Store Operations and Logistic partners.
• Track and troubleshoot inventory movement while maintaining clear and accurate communication to key cross-functional partners.  
• Communicate effectively with P&A Manager and broader team on a daily basis on issues and workstream processes and identify and action risks/ opportunities to ensure inventory needs are met.
• Learn and develop system expertise in O9 Allocation (software program) and work to troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Identify and help create new process improvements as needed to drive efficiencies across the P&A team.
• Assist in the creation of and distribution of allocation related reporting.

Requirements:

•  Physical Retail allocation experience preferred, with experience in Home or adjacent categories (e.g., general merchandise).
• 1- 2+ years in analyst role or similar required. 
• Ability to organize multiple data sets clearly for concise communication.  
• Ability to identify new process improvements where needed. 
• Ability to leverage data (quantitative and qualitative) to drive strategic decision-making and tight execution.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with cross functional partners across a variety of functions throughout the organization to achieve objectives.
• Evidence of “scrappy start-up execution” and a “get it done” attitude when time is tight and stakes are high.
• Uses creative problem solving when a conventional solution is not apparent.
• Thrives in a high growth, ambiguous environment.