Allocator

The Allocator is a pivotal role responsible for strategic and tactical planning of store inventory using an Enterprise Planning Replenishment software system. The allocator ensures 250 retail stores are stocked properly to meet customer demand and support achievement of sales goals. This position involves detailed analysis and cross-functional collaboration to drive inventory management excellence and support the overall success of the retail business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategically configure and maintain replenishment system settings, parameters, and algorithms to enhance store allocations.
• Update and refine system attributes and parameters based on seasonal shifts, promotional calendars, and in-store delivery methods.
• Ensure optimal product availability across all stores, balancing in-stock targets with sales velocity, lead times, and inventory productivity goals.
• Manage inventory across multiple distribution sites.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to replenishment accuracy, in-stock service levels.
• Analyze and address out-of-stock situations by adjusting replenishment parameters, ensuring a seamless shopping experience and minimizing lost sales.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Supply Chain and Store Operations teams to align replenishment strategies with business objectives and promotional activities.
• Manage unique assortments for identified store clusters and implement tailored replenishment strategies for different store segments.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to replenishment accuracy, in-stock service levels.
• Investigate and resolve issues related to replenishment orders, inventory discrepancies, and system errors.
• Participate in testing, implementation and the launch of a new Replenishment Tool.

About Music & Arts

Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+ retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.

 

Qualifications

To join our band, you'll need the following experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, supply chain management, computer science, or a related field.
• 1+ years in replenishment planning, inventory management, or supply chain analysis.
• Experience using JDA E3 or similar replenishment planning software is highly desirable.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong focus on accuracy, precision, and detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Experience in specialty retail or consumer goods industries.

Why Guitar Center? Here's just some of the rewards:

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

Pay Rate: $55,000 - $60,000/yr depending on background and experience.

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.

Love this gig and want to apply?

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.