Merchandise Planner

Merchandise Planner - Brilliant Earth

Role Overview:

The Merchandise Planner will be a key member of Brilliant Earth's Merchandising team, responsible for developing comprehensive sales and inventory strategies across multiple product categories. This role will report to the Associate Director of Merchandise Planning and will serve as the primary liaison between merchandising, operations, and finance teams to optimize inventory investments while maximizing profitability and customer satisfaction. The Merchandise Planner will lead inventory planning initiatives, establish forecasting methodologies, and drive strategic decision-making to support business growth.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who excels in a fast-paced startup environment and has demonstrated an ability to drive meaningful business impact through sophisticated analyses, predictive modeling, cross-functional leadership, and implementation of scalable processes. We have a social and environmental mission at the core of our company and are looking for someone who is passionate about helping us achieve our social goals while delivering exceptional business results.
 

Key responsibilities include:

• Own merchandise planning for multiple product categories with full accountability for results
• Create and own category Open-To-Buy alignment and drive consensus discussions across teams
• Collaborate with the merchandising team to develop and maintain comprehensive sales forecasts, strategic inventory plans, dynamic scenario models, and data-driven buying recommendations to optimize product assortment and maximize profitability
• Lead strategic inventory planning for new showroom launches and business initiatives
• Ensure accuracy of analysis, reporting, insights, forecasts, and achievement of inventory plans/goals
• Establish inventory parameters including weeks of supply, safety stock, and reorder points
• Drive the weekly forecasting process to determine appropriate inventory levels across channels
• Perform complex statistical analysis to support Planning and Merchandising teams
• Design comprehensive analytics frameworks to evaluate business performance metrics
• Lead cross-functional meetings to review inventory positions and align on action plans
• Partner with operations to optimize the inventory pipeline and address supply challenges
• Translate financial plans into actionable buying strategies through monthly OTB framework
• Develop scenario planning models to evaluate potential business impacts and contingencies
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory productivity and reduce excess while maintaining service levels

Specific Qualifications include:

• BA degree or equivalent, preferred
• 5+ years’ experience in quantitative analysis, inventory planning and/or forecasting; in a retail, product or e-commerce company
• Experience in allocation or store planning is a plus
• Highly attentive to details · Experience with Planning and Reporting software; experience with Domo, or similar, a plus
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Excel skills including complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling, and efficient management of large datasets for inventory and sales analysis
• Highly organized with focus on execution, problem solving, and improving processes
• Exceptional time management skills and accountability
• Ability to think critically and adapt quickly in a flexible environment
• Team player with an ability to work collaboratively
• Entrepreneurial spirit / self-starter
• Interest in socially and environmentally responsible organizations and products

What We Offer:

• Career Growth. We want to see you sparkle! Through regular 1-1’s with your manager, a variety of training opportunities, and an annual 360 review process for all employees, our leaders are dedicated to creating clear pathways for growth. Ask the hiring team for more information on how Brilliant Earth creates a culture of collaboration and growth during your interview conversations!
• Diverse, mission-minded team. We were founded to cultivate a more transparent, sustainable, compassionate, & inclusive jewelry industry. Learn more about our impact and team diversity Here!
• Lifestyle Spending Account. At Brilliant Earth, we're committed to your well-being. Enjoy company reimbursements for eligible wellness expenses, such as gym memberships, massage, counseling, and more!
• Continued Education. Company-sponsored learning in leadership, professional skills, diversity & inclusion, and access to tuition reimbursement for role-specific trainings.
• Employee Discounts. As an employee at Brilliant Earth, you’ll receive a generous discount on our jewelry.
• Mental Wellness Perks. We offer access to mental health resources, such as self-care apps and seminars. Our Employee Assistance program offers 24/7 access to counseling!
• Giving Back and Volunteer Opportunities. In addition to our giving back programs, our teams support local initiatives and spend time together by volunteering.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision. We offer multiple plans to choose from, including a $0 monthly premium option for employee health insurance and employer HSA contributions. Insurance kicks in on the first day of your 2nd month!
• 401k match. We know that saving for the future is important. That's why we offer a generous 401k match.
• Paid Time Off. We know it’s important to recharge and relax
• Parental Leave. We aim to support our growing families. Employees can utilize our paid parental leave to bond and care for their new additions.
• Disability and Life insurance. 100% employer-paid.
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits.
   

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