Analyst, Allocations
Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued – as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country's largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well®.
At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong.
The Allocations Analyst plays an important role in optimizing the distribution and availability of promotional and special program inventory across the Loblaw store network.
This position is responsible for reviewing promotional forecasts and determining appropriate store-level inventory allocations based on historical sales, store mapping, promotional strategy, seasonality, current inventory positions, and other relevant business inputs.
A key component of the role is analyzing and explaining variances between Category forecasts and Allocation projections. The Analyst provides data-driven insights and recommendations that support promotional sales opportunities while helping to minimize excess inventory.
The role works closely with Category, Demand Planning, Banner and Promotional teams, Store Operations, and offshore Allocation teams to support effective promotional planning and execution. The Analyst is also expected to identify opportunities to improve allocation accuracy, streamline processes, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
The ideal candidate brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a proactive, collaborative approach to managing promotional inventory.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct forecast reviews for regular promotional items and special programs to support effective inventory allocation.
- Analyze significant variances between Category forecasts and Allocation projections and provide data-driven recommendations to support the allocation position.
- Determine store-level promotional allocations using store-specific sales history, mapping, promotional strategy, seasonality, and other relevant demand factors.
- Recommend appropriate merchandising and allocation methods, including loose cases, half-pallet displays, full-pallet displays, or a combination of formats.
- Complete floor-mapping allocations to support appropriate inventory placement and promotional execution.
- Develop allocation recommendations for items with limited or no sales history using comparable item performance, category history, and other relevant demand indicators.
- Maintain accurate and timely store records and allocation parameters required to support promotional allocations.
- Adjust store-level allocations based on current on-hand inventory and business direction from Banner and Promotional teams.
- Review and adjust allocations, where appropriate, based on feedback from District Managers, Customer Experience Specialists, Store Managers, and other key stakeholders.
- Review promotional change-management files to confirm item purchasing, adjustments, and cancellations.
- Partner with Category teams and offshore Allocation teams to review promotional strategies, forecasts, allocation plans, and execution requirements.
- Follow up with the BCS team to investigate and resolve allocation and distribution issues as required.
- Develop alternative supply or allocation plans when planned allocations are not triggered as expected.
- Support Demand Planners by reviewing system-generated forecasts against promotional allocation requirements and identifying material variances.
- Proactively identify and implement opportunities to improve allocation accuracy, streamline processes, and increase operational efficiency.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education, including a college diploma or university degree, in Business, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Analytics, or a related quantitative discipline.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills considered highly valuable.
- Experience with JDA, Luminate Demand Edge, SAP, SQL, or similar planning and analytical systems.
- Knowledge of analytical or programming tools such as Python, SAS, VBA, or macro development is considered an asset.
- Working knowledge of inventory replenishment, forecasting, allocation systems, and related supply chain strategies.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders across different levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated adaptability and the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, business needs, and new situations.
- Collaborative team player with a strong commitment to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and building effective cross-functional relationships.
- Proactive self-starter with demonstrated initiative, accountability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars – Environment, Sourcing and Community – and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values – Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence – guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits – these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Canada’s Greenest Employers & Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.
If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that we can add to our team.
We have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Please Note:
Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.
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