Associate Director, Merchandise Planning

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

📋 Description

• Oversee the Inventory Planning department and team, reporting directly to the Senior Director of Merchandising.

• Manage sales and inventory forecasts across all categories and functions.

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

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

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

• Direct scenario modeling and conduct statistical analysis.

• Own and enhance the open-to-buy alignment and consensus process with Merchandising and Finance departments.

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

• Create and drive the Inventory Planning roadmap.

• Initiate, prioritize, and approve projects while managing long-term program schedules through to adoption.

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

• Lead the adoption of demand planning and reporting tools.

• Adapt planning tools and models to meet evolving enterprise systems and reporting needs.

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

• Utilize AI tools to automate recurring analysis and reporting, while rolling out AI-enabled planning workflows.

• Manage, coach, and develop the planning team through hiring processes, feedback, and the establishment of clear objectives.

• Mentor Merchandising partners on forecasting and inventory principles.

• Represent the Planning function to executive leadership.

⛳️ Requirements

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

• Proven track record of successfully 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 working with large datasets.

• Proficiency in retail mathematics.

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

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

• Experience leading system implementations and cross-functional programs from start to finish.

• Knowledge of forecasting tools, report automation, and process redesign.

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

• Understanding of prompt engineering and connecting AI tools to live data sources, such as data warehouses or ERP is highly regarded.

• Ability to function in a dynamic systems environment and develop enduring processes.

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

• An entrepreneurial, self-starting mindset with a critical thinking approach and the capacity to adapt quickly.

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

• Interest in organizations and products that are socially and environmentally responsible.

• Experience with attribute-based or commodity inventory planning is a significant advantage.

• An advanced degree or relevant certification is a plus.

• Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP system is an advantage.

🏝️ Benefits

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

• A diverse and mission-driven team.

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

• Company-sponsored continued education in leadership, professional skills development, diversity & inclusion, along with tuition reimbursement for role-specific training.

• Employee discount on jewelry purchases.

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

• Opportunities for giving back and volunteering.

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

• 401k matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off.

• Paid parental leave.

• Employer-paid disability and life insurance benefits.

• Pre-tax commuter benefits.