Associate Director, Merchandise Planning

<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">Associate Director, Merchandise Planning</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>

<p><span data-contrast="auto">Brilliant Earth is searching for an Associate Director, Merchandise Planning to lead our Inventory Planning function and the team behind it. Reporting to the Senior Director of Merchandising, you'll own forecasting, open-to-buy, and inventory strategy across every category and function, as well as the roadmap that takes our planning capabilities to the next level. This is a builder's role as much as a planner's: our planning infrastructure is actively evolving, and you'll set the direction, partner with Technology and Merchandising to implement new tools, and raise the analytical bar for the whole team.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>

<p><span data-contrast="auto">You'll build planning approaches that work for attribute-based, specification-driven assortments while holding the line on turn, in-stock, and margin. We have a social and environmental mission at the core of our company, and we're looking for someone excited to deliver exceptional business results while helping us advance it.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What You'll Do:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Inventory Strategy and Forecasting</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>

<ul>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Own sales and inventory forecasts across all categories and functions, and hold the team accountable for the accuracy, timeliness, and achievement of inventory plans and KPIs.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Set inventory strategy for fine jewelry assortments, including diamond, gemstone, and precious metal commodities, establishing the parameters (weeks of supply, safety stock, reorder points) that balance service levels against inventory productivity.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Lead inventory planning for new showroom launches and growth initiatives, directing the scenario modeling and statistical analysis that pressure-test those plans.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

</ul>

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Open-to-Buy and Financial Planning</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>

<ul>

<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Own and continue to evolve the OTB alignment and consensus process, translating financial plans into actionable buying strategies with Merchandising and Finance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Contribute to the annual bookings, ASP, and margin budget-setting process, bringing the inventory point of view to category and department targets and reporting consistently against inventory KPIs.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

</ul>

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Planning Systems and Process</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>

<ul>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Create and drive the Inventory Planning roadmap. Work with leadership to initiate, prioritize, and approve projects, and manage long-term program schedules through to adoption.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Partner with Technology on planning system implementation and maintenance, leading the broader team’s adoption of new demand planning and reporting tools.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Adapt planning tools and models to integrate cleanly with our evolving enterprise systems and reporting, identifying gaps, developing workarounds, and replacing them with durable solutions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Leverage AI tools to automate recurring analysis and reporting, and drive identification and rollout of new AI-enabled planning workflows across the function.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

</ul>

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Team Leadership and Partnership</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>

<ul>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Manage, coach, and develop a growing planning team through hiring, feedback, and clear team objectives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Raise planning fluency across the organization by mentoring cross-functional Merchandising partners on forecasting and inventory principles, and by representing Planning credibly to executive leadership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

</ul>

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What You Bring:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>

<ul>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certification a plus.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with attribute-based or commodity inventory planning (precious metals, gemstones, or other specification-driven categories) is a strong plus.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Expert Excel skills: complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling, and efficient handling of large datasets. Retail math is second nature.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Hands-on experience with demand planning software (Blue Yonder, Logility, Demantra, o9, MI9, or similar) and reporting/BI tools (Domo, Tableau, Power BI); NetSuite or comparable ERP experience a plus.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">A track record of leading system implementations and cross-functional programs end to end—from defining business requirements and guiding development through adoption—including new forecasting tools, report automation, and process redesign.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with AI-assisted tools (e.g., Claude, Excel Copilot, BI-native AI features, Snowflake Intelligence) to automate analysis and reduce manual effort; familiarity with prompt engineering and connecting AI tools to live data sources such as data warehouses or ERP is highly valued.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Comfort operating in an evolving systems environment: you can spot the gap, build the workaround, then turn it into lasting process.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Expert written and verbal communication, with clear, direct, concise presentations to broader teams and executive leadership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Entrepreneurial spirit and a self-starter mindset, with the ability to think critically and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

<li><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}">Commitment to respect and inclusion in the workplace.</span></li>

<li><span data-contrast="auto">Interest in socially and environmentally responsible organizations and products.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559739":0}"> </span></li>

</ul>

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What We Offer:</strong></span></p>

<ul>

<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Career Growth.</strong> 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!</span></li>

<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Diverse, mission-minded team.</strong> We were founded to cultivate a more transparent, sustainable, compassionate, & inclusive jewelry industry. Learn more about our impact and team diversity <a href="

<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Lifestyle Spending Account.</strong> 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!</span></li>

<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Continued Education.</strong> Company-sponsored learning in leadership, professional skills, diversity & inclusion, and access to tuition reimbursement for role-specific trainings.</span></li>

<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Employee Discounts.</strong> As an employee at Brilliant Earth, you’ll receive a generous discount on our jewelry.</span></li>

<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Mental Wellness Perks.</strong> We offer access to mental health resources, such as self-care apps and seminars. Our Employee Assistance program offers 24/7 access to counseling!</span></li>

<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Giving Back and Volunteer Opportunities.</strong> In addition to our giving back programs, our teams support local initiatives and spend time together by volunteering.</span></li>

<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Medical, Dental, and Vision. </strong>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!</span></li>