Associate Director – Merchandise Planning

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the Inventory Planning function and lead the team.

• Manage forecasting, open-to-buy, and inventory strategy across all categories and functions.

• Develop inventory strategy for fine jewelry assortments, including diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals.

• Be responsible for sales and inventory forecasts, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and accountability for inventory plans and KPIs.

• Lead inventory planning for new showroom openings and growth initiatives utilizing scenario modeling and statistical analysis.

• Enhance the open-to-buy alignment and consensus process in collaboration with Merchandising and Finance.

• Provide inventory insights for annual bookings, ASP, and margin budget-setting.

• Create and implement the Inventory Planning roadmap while managing long-term program schedules for successful adoption.

• Collaborate with Technology on the implementation and maintenance of planning systems.

• Encourage the use of demand planning and reporting tools.

• Adapt planning tools and models to the changing needs of enterprise systems and reporting.

• Identify system deficiencies, devise workarounds, and implement sustainable solutions.

• Utilize AI tools to automate regular analysis and reporting processes, and introduce AI-enabled planning workflows.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the planning team through effective hiring practices, feedback, and clear objectives.

• Guide cross-functional Merchandising partners and represent the Planning team to executive leadership.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, forecasting, or quantitative analysis within retail, product, or e-commerce sectors.

• Proven success in leading and developing a team.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.

• Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling, and managing large datasets.

• Proficiency in retail mathematics.

• Practical experience with demand planning software such as Blue Yonder, Logility, Demantra, o9, MI9, or similar tools.

• Familiarity with reporting/BI tools like Domo, Tableau, or Power BI.

• Demonstrated history of leading comprehensive system implementations and cross-functional projects.

• Experience with forecasting tools, report automation, and process redesign initiatives.

• Experience using AI-assisted tools such as Claude, Excel Copilot, BI-native AI features, or Snowflake Intelligence.

• Knowledge of prompt engineering and integration of AI tools with live data sources like data warehouses or ERP systems is highly preferred.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic systems environment.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Entrepreneurial mindset and self-starter attitude.

• Strong commitment to respect and inclusion within the workplace.

• Interest in socially and environmentally responsible organizations and products.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunities for career advancement through regular one-on-ones, training sessions, and an annual 360 review process.

• Lifestyle Spending Account offering reimbursements for eligible wellness expenses, including gym memberships, massages, counseling, and more.

• Company-sponsored learning initiatives focused on leadership, professional skills, and diversity & inclusion.

• Tuition reimbursement for role-specific training programs.

• Employee discount on jewelry purchases.

• Access to mental health resources, self-care applications, seminars, and 24/7 Employee Assistance counseling.

• Opportunities to engage in giving back programs and volunteer initiatives.

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

• Generous 401(k) matching program.

• Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Paid parental leave.

• 100% employer-funded disability and life insurance coverage.

• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits.