Planner/Allocator

The Planner/Allocator is responsible for maintaining proper inventory levels for an organization. Works with detailed historic reports to determine order quantities, process new purchase orders, and amend generated orders to meet requirements. Assists with inventory control management activities including implementing process enhancements to streamline the replenishment function. Assists buyers with vendor meetings and assorted selections. Additionally, may track purchase orders and deal with delivery and stock issues. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. This position is remote with limited requirement for in-person meetings at our Plano headquarters (1–2 days per month on average for team meetings, training, and special events). Reliable high-speed internet/WiFi required.

Responsibilities

• Source and follow-up with suppliers on Item Setup Data to ensure accuracy and scheduling – process for Buyer review
• Conduct product allocations (under the direction of the Buyer)
• Respond to specific field request fulfillment including vetted product requests, handling shipment issues, cost and retail issues, etc.
• Ensure consistencies in pricing strategy, category assignment and store assignments by conducting category reviews
• Meet with suppliers and partner with Buyer and department to ensure follow-up on projected orders
• Handle ad-hoc reporting and purchasing needs for suppliers and the Buyers as needed
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience with multi-store retail
• Solid communication skills with strong critical and analytical thinking skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Highly analytical and able to review sales and forecast
• Advanced Excel skills to include pivot tables and VLOOKUPs
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Copilot)
• Knowledge of backend retail management system and point-of-sale system (Mi9 Retail, AiFi, Just Walk Out by Amazon, etc.)

About the Company

We are the heart of the hospital experience. Our guests visit our store locations for different experiences while visiting loved ones in the hospital, or between breaks while at work. Lori’s Gifts is a unique retailer servicing over 370 hospitals nationwide for the last 37 years. We continue to grow because of our compassionate employees that remain close to the positive hospital relationships we have developed in the communities we serve.

Benefits

• Flexible Hours
• Awesome Discounts
• Fun work environment
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance and 401K plan (Full-Time Employees)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays (Full-Time Employees)
• Opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed with a leading retailer