Allocation Optimization Manager

We believe travel makes us better. Launched in 2016 with one perfectly designed carry-on we now offer a range of luggage and travel essentials for every journey. Together we create innovate and embark on this journey as a community of travelers helping to make travel more seamless for everyone.

We are hiring an Allocation Optimization Manager to join our Merchandising Planning & Allocation team. This position reports to the VP Merchandising and takes Away further by managing inventory allocation workflows and supporting the operational growth of our retail stores and digital channel. Sitting at the intersection of Allocation Merchandise Planning and Store Operations the Allocation Optimization Manager owns the end-to-end inventory lifecycle across our 16 retail locations and digital channel.

If you are a data-driven retail planner who loves solving complex puzzles and wants to build the automation that scales a business this is your launchpad.

Core Fleet Allocation & Workload Evolution

• Youll own and execute initial allocations seasonal floorsets and ongoing replenishment across 16 retail stores and the e-commerce channel maintaining optimal fleet-wide stock depth and sell-through rates

• Youll execute allocation routines and collaborate with Engineering and Data teams to test and support tool logic refinements and process enhancements

Store Planning & Assortment Strategy

• Youll execute store replenishment and evaluate store performance using established tiering frameworks incorporating local climate capacity historical trends and demographic insights

• Youll identify location-specific best sellers and slow movers synthesizing performance trends into actionable recommendations for Merchandising for future seasons

• Youll maintain an active feedback loop with Store Managers and District Managers to incorporate hyper-local trends competitive shifts and unique store needs into allocation strategies

Financial Planning & Open-to-Buy (OTB)

• Youll manage monthly Open-to-Buy (OTB) tracking and reporting process for the retail fleet evaluating sales and receipt variances in partnership with Planning leadership

• Youll support the Merch Planning Director and Finance team in tracking store-level revenue plans and identifying variances between top-down targets and bottom-up trends

• Youll perform fleet inventory health analysis escalating identified stock risks and proposing operational adjustments to planning leadership

System Implementation & Operational Alignment

• Youll collaborate with Operations and 3PL partners to optimize delivery schedules stock buffer management and inventory flow across the fleet

• You have a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Retail Planning Allocation or OTB Management within a multi-unit retail environment (1050 stores preferred)

• Youre advanced in Excel (dynamic data structures scenario modeling complex formulas) and have experience with enterprise planning software or BI platforms (e.g. Oracle Blue Yonder SAP)

• You have a deep understanding of core retail metrics and processes including Open-to-Buy (OTB) GMROI inventory turn Weeks of Supply (WOS) and sell-through

• You have a strategic mindset that balances macro chain-level targets across 17 stores and e-commerce with micro store-level allocation precision

• You have the proven ability to navigate matrixed teams across Merchandising Planning Marketing Stores and 3PL/Operations

• Youre a strong communicator with a track record of presenting data-driven insights to leadership and partnering with field teams to translate qualitative store feedback into actionable inventory strategies

• Youre creative and innovative; you love to build great new things that are fresh and unique while staying on brand

• Youre agile and motivated by a fast-paced and ever changing environment

• Youre passionate about transforming travel for all (but thats a given!)

Excited to join the team but not sure you meet all of the qualifications Please apply wed still love to hear from you.

• Were travelers. Travel is about the journey - the transformative experiences and the growth each trip offers. All employees are encouraged to take time to get away through our variety of time away from work offerings.

• Were driven. The work we do matters and collectively drives impact. No matter the job title everyone at Away is a meaningful contributor in unlocking our ever growing potential.

• Were supportive. We value the entirety of your lifes journey not just the milestones. Youll find an environment that celebrates balance understanding that your personal passions and commitments outside of work are threads of the same fabric that makes you unique.

Our total rewards are inclusive of both compensation and benefits. What we offer within a salary range is dependent on a number of factors including scope and qualifications for the role skillset and balancing internal equity relative to other Away employees. Salary and benefit offerings are reviewed during phone screenings to ensure alignment.

• Compensation: $112000.00-$120000.00 annually

• This role is eligible to participate in Aways Annual Company Performance Incentive Bonus Plan the terms of which are determined at the discretion of the company

• Equity Grant: commensurate with level determined at the discretion of the company

• Benefits Overview:

  • Take care of yourself and your family through our health insurance offerings

  • Invest in your future by participating in our 401(k) (with a company match!)

  • Find balance through our many paid time off programs (vacation wellbeing holidays summer Fridays and compassion leave - just to name a few!)

  • Build your travel uniform through discount codes product stipends and giveaways

  • Give back through company-sponsored volunteer and charitable opportunities

This is an office-based position that works from our Soho NYC office four days a week. Our working hours are 9am-6pm et but we embrace a common-sense approach to flexibility in the workplace. Its about being present engaged and balancing work with real-life needs.

As a company that values diversity equity and inclusion Away seeks individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply for this opportunity. Were creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Our customers are global and diverse so were building a team that is too. Through initiatives like our Employee Resource Groups anti-racism training and bias prevention initiatives were building the cultural foundation that gives people the emotional and physical space to bring their authentic selves to work.

EEOC Statement:

Away is dedicated to hiring a diverse workplace that celebrates an inclusive culture and a sense of belonging. As an equal opportunity employer we do not discriminate based on race color religion sex (including pregnancy gender identity gender expression and sexual orientation) national origin age veteran status genetic information or disability.

Away is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability you may contact us at

Required Experience:

Manager