Retail Allocation Manager

Job Description:
Retail Allocation Manager
Newark, NJ
The Retail Allocation Manager will be an integral part of the Mars Retail Group (MRG) Retail Planning team and help ensure that we have the right product to sell at the right place, at the right time. This pivotal role will help lead the execution of allocation strategies across our Global business and 8 physical store locations across the globe. This individual will determine, in partnership with the Global Planning & Allocation Sr. Manager-Retail, how to develop the most effective allocation strategy to ensure we meet the product demands of our guests and ultimately deliver our sales and inventory financial objectives. The Retail Allocation Manager will provide a business-critical role for M&M's Retail and will be a significant contributor in the company's success.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Mathematics, Engineering, Supply Chain or related field
• 3-5 years' experience in Retail Replenishment and Allocation, Planning or other relevant function
• Advanced skills in MS Office applications, particularly MS Excel
• Experience with SAP and Warehouse Management Systems preferred
• Extreme attention to detail and accuracy
• Must be able to work independently with little to no supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all aspects of the business
• Knowledge of overall supply chain/logistics best practices; includes international and domestic logistic movement experience considered an asset
• Prior line management experience preferred
• Experience with Relex preferred

What would be your key responsibilities?

• Drive the financial success of M&Ms Retail through the creation and executive of effective allocation strategies that align with the business' sales and inventory goals.
• Provide mentorship, guidance and steer to The Junior Allocation Analyst, in efficiently and effectively directing & prioritizing their work, while aiding in their professional growth and development overall.
• Analyze historical and current sales trend data, in addition to in-store presentation minimum requirements and weeks of supply, to determine item level replenishment needed by store location, department, style and size.
• Lead the execution strategy for seasonal and activity-based inventory allocations to ensure ample product availability in store.
• Partner with Junior Allocation Analyst in order to create STOs (stock transfer orders) from the HUB to the Forward Stocking Locations to the Stores in the US, and from the respective warehouses to the stores internationally, to ensure the right product is available at the right place at the right time.
• Collaborate with Store teams to understand replenishment needs based on shifting visual statements/presentation minimums, fluctuating truck schedules and BOH capacity constraints.
• React to trends by adjusting STO frequency, size, and cadence as needed to support each store and maximize sales.
• Provide visibility to inbound inventory issues and work collaboratively with the Planning and Merchant teams to offset potential sales risks through allocation of additional product.
• Partner with Category Planning to ensure core businesses are in stock in store to meet and/or exceed sales plan, while maintaining targeted safety stocks.
• Manage communication between warehouse and store teams to enable the most efficient and effective product transfer operations.
• Challenge and seek to enhance existing Allocation processes to continually improve upon our in-stock accuracy. Establish a more seamless process to account for forward-looking item/store level forecasts to optimize allocation methods.
• Lead bi-weekly Allocation calls with the Store teams and Supply partners in order to formulate allocation strategies for upcoming activations/events, while also addressing key priorities and OOS issue resolution.
• Participate in Relex Planning System expanded implementation, inclusive of the Allocation capability module, by infusing expertise and industry knowledge into the 2026 roll-out process.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we are striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.
This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all locations listed within the job posting:USD 85, USD 118,083.00