Associate Director, Merchandise Planning

Brilliant Earth

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

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in inventory planning, forecasting, and quantitative analysis within retail and e-commerce, with a strong focus on leading teams and implementing effective planning strategies. Proficient in utilizing advanced tools and methodologies to optimize inventory management and drive business results.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Inventory Planning LeadershipSales And Inventory ForecastingExpert Excel SkillsDemand Planning Software ExperienceAI-Assisted Tools Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Inventory PlanningForecastingQuantitative AnalysisRetail Math ProficiencyFinancial ModelingReporting AutomationProcess RedesignScenario ModelingStatistical AnalysisCommodity Inventory Planning

Soft Skills

Expert CommunicationCritical ThinkingAdaptabilityMentoringTeam Development

Tools & Technologies

Blue YonderLogilityDemantraO9MI9DomoTableauPower BINetSuiteAI Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeAdvanced DegreeRelevant Certification

Industry Keywords

Merchandise PlanningE-CommerceRetailInventory KPIsOpen-To-Buy AlignmentPlanning RoadmapDemand PlanningExecutive LeadershipSocial ResponsibilityEnvironmental Responsibility

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERPTableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Inventory Planning function and team, reporting to the Senior Director of Merchandising
Own sales and inventory forecasts across all categories and functions
Set inventory strategy for fine jewelry assortments, including diamond, gemstone, and precious metal commodities
Establish weeks of supply, safety stock, and reorder point parameters
Lead inventory planning for new showroom launches and growth initiatives
Direct scenario modeling and statistical analysis to pressure-test plans
Own and evolve the open-to-buy alignment and consensus process with Merchandising and Finance
Contribute to annual bookings, ASP, and margin budget-setting and report against inventory KPIs
Create and drive the Inventory Planning roadmap
Initiate, prioritize, approve, and manage planning projects through adoption
Partner with Technology on planning system implementation and maintenance
Lead adoption of demand planning and reporting tools
Adapt planning tools and models to enterprise systems and reporting
Identify gaps, develop workarounds, and implement durable solutions
Leverage AI tools to automate recurring analysis and reporting
Drive rollout of AI-enabled planning workflows
Manage, coach, and develop the planning team through hiring, feedback, and objectives
Mentor Merchandising partners on forecasting and inventory principles
Represent Planning to executive leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years in merchandise planning, inventory planning, forecasting, or quantitative analysis within retail, product, or e-commerce, including demonstrated success leading and developing a team
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certification a plus
Experience with attribute-based or commodity inventory planning is a strong plus
Expert Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling, and handling large datasets
Retail math proficiency
Hands-on experience with demand planning software such as Blue Yonder, Logility, Demantra, o9, MI9, or similar
Experience with reporting/BI tools such as Domo, Tableau, or Power BI
Experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP is a plus
Track record of leading system implementations and cross-functional programs end to end
Experience with forecasting tools, report automation, and process redesign
Experience with AI-assisted tools such as Claude, Excel Copilot, BI-native AI features, or Snowflake Intelligence
Familiarity with prompt engineering and connecting AI tools to live data sources such as data warehouses or ERP is highly valued
Ability to operate in an evolving systems environment, identify gaps, build workarounds, and create lasting processes
Expert written and verbal communication, with clear, direct, concise presentations to broader teams and executive leadership
Entrepreneurial spirit, self-starter mindset, critical thinking, and ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment
Commitment to respect and inclusion in the workplace
Interest in socially and environmentally responsible organizations and products

Benefits

Comp & perks

Career growth through regular 1-1s, training opportunities, and an annual 360 review process
Lifestyle Spending Account with reimbursements for eligible wellness expenses, such as gym memberships, massage, counseling, and more
Company-sponsored learning in leadership, professional skills, diversity & inclusion, and tuition reimbursement for role-specific trainings
Employee discounts on jewelry
Mental health resources, self-care apps, seminars, and 24/7 Employee Assistance counseling
Giving back programs and volunteer opportunities
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including a $0 monthly premium employee health insurance option and employer HSA contributions
401k match
Paid Time Off
Paid parental leave
100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
Pre-tax commuter benefits