Bess Boleman
Gastonia,NC
Summary
Dynamic Senior Planning & Allocation Leader with over 15 years of expertise in merchandise strategy, financial planning, and inventory optimization across diverse categories, including Kids, Home, RTW, and Private Brands. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and cultivate high-performing talent while achieving results through data-driven decision-making. Renowned for strategic foresight and operational excellence, consistently delivering top-line growth and enhancing organizational performance. Committed to leveraging analytical insights to inform business strategies and optimize resource allocation for sustained success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Planner – Kids Girls 7-16
Belk
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Developed seasonal and multi-year merchandise financial plans aligned with corporate goals
- Created assortment and initial buy plans using hind sighting and profitability tools
- Led monthly forecasting and lifecycle management to maximize in-season performance
- Reconciled merchandise and by-door plans with allocation team to identify store-level opportunities
- Drove profitability through markdown strategy and POS pricing recommendations
Senior Planner – Homestore Kitchen
Belk
08.2020 - 01.2023
- Managed financial planning and assortment strategy for Kitchen category
- Oversaw replenishment budgets and analytics to support inventory flow
- Led monthly forecasting and collaborated with allocation team to optimize store-level execution
- Delivered in-season pricing strategies to enhance margin
Temporary Head of Allocation – COVID Team
Belk
03.2020 - 08.2020
- Directed a team of 6 during pandemic shutdown to maintain allocation operations
- Streamlined tactical processes across all departments
- Liaised with COVID leadership team to align on allocation priorities
Store Planner – Mens, Kids, Home
Belk
03.2020 - 03.2020
- Led cluster hindsight and localization strategy
- Delivered strategic recommendations for fixture counts, door edits, and brand matrix alignment
- Managed new store, remodel, and closure processes
Director of Allocation – RTW
Belk
02.2019 - 03.2020
- Oversaw allocation strategy and performance for RTW business
- Partnered with GMM/GVP to align on business goals
- Led and developed large teams to drive excellence in allocation and sizing
Allocation Manager – Contemporary Private Brands
Belk
06.2017 - 02.2019
- Managed $350M sales volume across YC, Coats, Swim, and Active
- Led team of 6 analysts and drove SPO analysis to improve productivity
- Delivered regional and seasonal strategies to optimize inventory turn
Assistant Planner – Moderate Dresses
Belk
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Delivered $367K over sales plan and exceeded ecommerce stretch plan by $850K
- Built location-level strategies and assortment planning tools
- Supported replenishment and allocation execution
Planner – Moderate Career, Coordinates, Coats, Swim
Belk
05.2010 - 05.2016
- Managed $108M–$115M annual sales volume
- Led financial planning, forecasting, and promotional strategy
- Mentored and promoted 6 executive trainees to management roles
Allocator – Feminine Apparel
Belk
04.2006 - 05.2010
- Allocated inventory across 300+ stores, generating $120M–$300M in annual sales
- Recognized 14x as “Allocator of the Month” and won FY2009 Pinnacle Award
- Delivered location-level analysis to support planning team
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SCSkills
- Financial merchandise planning
- Lifecycle management expertise
- Inventory allocation optimization
- Revenue forecasting and pricing analysis
- Team leadership
- Collaborative project engagement
- Data-driven business insights
- Software application knowledge
Accomplishments
Campus Champion University of South Carolina 2023, 2024, 2025
Best of Belk Impact Winner 2021
Belk Avengers Group-Clustering 2021 Project Lead
Pacesetter Award 2008 and 2009
Pinnacle Award 2008 Allocator of the Year
Executive Trainee Graduate 1999
Timeline
Senior Planner – Kids Girls 7-16
Belk
01.2023 - 10.2024
Senior Planner – Homestore Kitchen
Belk
08.2020 - 01.2023
Temporary Head of Allocation – COVID Team
Belk
03.2020 - 08.2020
Store Planner – Mens, Kids, Home
Belk
03.2020 - 03.2020
Director of Allocation – RTW
Belk
02.2019 - 03.2020
Allocation Manager – Contemporary Private Brands
Belk
06.2017 - 02.2019
Assistant Planner – Moderate Dresses
Belk
05.2016 - 06.2017
Planner – Moderate Career, Coordinates, Coats, Swim
Belk
05.2010 - 05.2016
Allocator – Feminine Apparel
Belk
04.2006 - 05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of South Carolina