Associate Director – Merchandise Planning

Brilliant Earth

. Lead the Inventory Planning function and team .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in inventory planning, forecasting, and quantitative analysis within retail and e-commerce, with a strong focus on team leadership and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in advanced Excel functions and demand planning software, driving strategic inventory initiatives and system implementations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Inventory Planning LeadershipForecasting Accuracy AccountabilityDemand Planning Software ExpertiseAdvanced Excel SkillsTeam Development and Mentorship

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Inventory PlanningForecastingQuantitative AnalysisRetail Math ProficiencyFinancial ModelingReport AutomationProcess RedesignScenario ModelingStatistical AnalysisAI-Assisted Tools

Soft Skills

Expert Written CommunicationExpert Verbal CommunicationEntrepreneurial SpiritSelf-Starter MindsetCommitment to Respect and Inclusion

Tools & Technologies

Demand Planning SoftwareBlue YonderLogilityDemantraO9MI9Reporting/BI ToolsDomoTableauPower BI

Industry Keywords

Merchandise PlanningE-CommerceRetailInventory StrategyShowroom LaunchesKPI ManagementCross-Functional ProgramsAI ToolsData WarehousesERP Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERPSnowflakeTableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Inventory Planning function and team
Own forecasting, open-to-buy, and inventory strategy across every category and function
Set inventory strategy for fine jewelry assortments, including diamond, gemstone, and precious metal commodities
Own sales and inventory forecasts and accountability for forecast accuracy, timeliness, inventory plans, and KPIs
Lead inventory planning for new showroom launches and growth initiatives through scenario modeling and statistical analysis
Evolve the open-to-buy alignment and consensus process with Merchandising and Finance
Contribute the inventory perspective to annual bookings, ASP, and margin budget-setting
Create and drive the Inventory Planning roadmap and manage long-term program schedules through adoption
Partner with Technology on planning system implementation and maintenance
Drive adoption of demand planning and reporting tools
Adapt planning tools and models to evolving enterprise systems and reporting
Identify system gaps, develop workarounds, and implement durable solutions
Use AI tools to automate recurring analysis and reporting and roll out AI-enabled planning workflows
Manage, coach, and develop the planning team through hiring, feedback, and clear objectives
Mentor cross-functional Merchandising partners and 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
Demonstrated success leading and developing a team
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field
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
Track record of leading end-to-end system implementations and cross-functional programs
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
Comfort operating in an evolving systems environment
Expert written and verbal communication
Entrepreneurial spirit and self-starter mindset
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
Tuition reimbursement for role-specific trainings
Employee discount on jewelry
Mental health resources, self-care apps, seminars, and 24/7 Employee Assistance counseling
Giving back programs and volunteer opportunities
Low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans
Employer HSA contributions
Generous 401k match
Paid Time Off
Paid parental leave
100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits