Director, Allocation Systems & Strategy

Overview:

This hybrid position will be located at our Corporate Office in New York. Expectations for hybrid in-office schedule are three days a week, typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

We are seeking a strategic and technically adept Director to lead our Inventory Strategy & Support team. This role will be responsible for shaping allocation strategy, optimizing inventory systems and processes, and building scalable, data-driven capabilities.

The ideal candidate is both a thought leader and operator - someone who can translate business objectives into allocation and inventory strategies, leverage technology and analytics to drive efficiency, and develop a high-performing team through coaching and training. This role will play a critical part in advancing our allocation capabilities through system optimization, automation, and modern analytics tools.

LI-MN1

Responsibilities:

Strategy & Inventory Optimization

Own and evolve enterprise allocation and inventory strategies to maximize sales, margin, and inventory productivity

Establish forward-looking frameworks for inventory deployment across channels

Develop and refine KPIs and success metrics to guide decision-making

Identify systemic risks and opportunities in inventory flow, forecasting accuracy, and allocation execution

Partner with senior leaders in Allocation, Planning, Merchandising and Supply Chain to align on roadmap and priorities

Design scalable workflows that improve efficiency and reduce manual effort in allocation and reporting processes

Systems, Tools & Technology Enablement

Lead optimization and continuous improvement of allocation and inventory management systems through process audits, performance tracking, and feedback loops

Oversee implementation of new tools, automation initiatives, and allocation methodologies -

including predictive analytics, forecasting algorithms, and allocation capabilities

Partner with IT and Business Insights teams on deployments within the Allocation domain, includes requirements gathering, testing, and defect resolution.

Drive adoption of advanced analytics tools (SQL, Power BI, Agentic AI, etc.) to enable self-service insights and faster decision-making

Data, Analytics & Insights

Oversee the development of dashboards and reporting suites to provide actionable insights on inventory health and allocation performance

Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and alignment across systems and reporting outputs

Translate complex data into clear recommendations for executive stakeholders

Influence decision-making through data-backed storytelling and strategic perspective

Guide advanced analytics initiatives such as SKU/store clustering, Size Profiling, demand forecasting improvements, and allocation scenario modeling

Team Leadership, Training & Capability Building

Lead, coach, and develop a team of analysts; set clear performance expectations and career development plans

Build technical and analytical capabilities across the team, including SQL, BI tools, and data storytelling

Develop and deliver training programs on allocation strategies, systems, tools, and KPIs

Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making, curiosity, and continuous learning

Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to cross-functional partners on allocation and inventory principles

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Analytics, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field

5–8+ years of experience in allocation, inventory management, planning, or retail analytics, with prior leadership experience

Strong background in retail inventory strategy and allocation/replenishment methodologies

Advanced proficiency in SQL, Power BI/Tableau, and Excel

Hands-on experience with allocation, replenishment and demand planning systems (e.g., Quantum, JDA/Blue Yonder, SAP, Oracle Retail)

Demonstrated experience leading system implementations, enhancements, or transformation initiatives

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to connect data to business outcomes

Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced environment

Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders

Preferred Skills

Experience with predictive analytics, machine learning, or advanced forecasting models

Familiarity with omnichannel retail strategies and inventory optimization across multiple fulfillment nodes

At Foot Locker, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity in all that we do. To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools, including ChatGPT, during interviews and assessments. To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please review the following guidelines:

Cameras must be on for all virtual interviews.

AI tools are strictly prohibited during interviews or assessments.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a transparent and equitable hiring experience.

Benefits:

The annual base salary range is $140,000 - $160,000 / year. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. This role is also eligible to receive short term incentives that align with individual and company performance. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the Foot Locker, Inc. total compensation package, which includes the below.

Foot Locker Benefits:

Employee Discount

Paid Time Off

Medical | Dental | Vision Coverage

401(k) | Roth 401(k)

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Parental Leave

Opportunities for Advancement

Tuition Reimbursement for Qualified Courses

Strong Company Culture

Employee Resource Groups