Associate Director, Merchandise Planning

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

📋 Description

• Lead the Inventory Planning function and oversee the team, reporting directly to the Senior Director of Merchandising.

• Take ownership of sales and inventory forecasts across all categories and functions.

• Develop inventory strategies for fine jewelry assortments, including diamonds, gemstones, and precious metal commodities.

• Define weeks of supply, safety stock, and reorder point parameters.

• Manage inventory planning for new showroom launches and growth initiatives.

• Direct scenario modeling and statistical analysis to validate plans.

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

• Contribute to setting annual bookings, ASP, and margin budgets, and report against inventory KPIs.

• Create and propel the Inventory Planning roadmap.

• Initiate, prioritize, approve, and oversee planning projects until full adoption.

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

• Lead the usage of demand planning and reporting tools.

• Adapt planning tools and models to fit enterprise systems and reporting requirements.

• Identify gaps, devise workarounds, and implement sustainable solutions.

• Utilize AI tools to automate routine analysis and reporting processes.

• Drive the implementation of AI-enabled planning workflows.

• Manage, coach, and develop the planning team through hiring, providing feedback, and setting objectives.

• Mentor Merchandising partners on forecasting and inventory management principles.

• Represent the Planning team to executive leadership.

⛳️ Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, forecasting, or quantitative analysis in retail, product, or e-commerce, demonstrating a record of leading and developing a team.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; an advanced degree or relevant certification is a plus.

• Strong experience in attribute-based or commodity inventory planning is highly advantageous.

• Proficient in Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling, and managing large datasets.

• Solid understanding of retail mathematics.

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

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

• Experience with NetSuite or similar ERP systems is a plus.

• Proven track record of leading system implementations and cross-functional programs from start to finish.

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

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

• Knowledge of prompt engineering and connecting AI tools to live data sources like data warehouses or ERP is highly valued.

• Ability to thrive in an evolving systems environment, identify gaps, develop workarounds, and establish enduring processes.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, direct, and concise presentations to broader teams and executive leadership.

• An entrepreneurial spirit, self-starter attitude, critical thinking skills, and the ability to adapt swiftly in a fast-paced environment.

• A strong commitment to respect and inclusion in the workplace.

• A passion for socially and environmentally responsible organizations and products.

🏝️ Benefits

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

• A Lifestyle Spending Account that reimburses eligible wellness expenses, including gym memberships, massage therapy, counseling, and more.

• Company-sponsored learning initiatives in leadership, professional skills, diversity & inclusion, and tuition reimbursement for role-specific training programs.

• Employee discounts on jewelry purchases.

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

• Programs for giving back and opportunities for volunteer work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including a $0 monthly premium health insurance option and employer contributions to HSA.

• 401k matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off.

• Paid parental leave benefits.

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

• Pre-tax commuter benefits.