Merchandise Planning Analyst

Summary

Join Brilliant Earth's Merchandise Planning team as a Merchandise Planning Analyst and contribute to the company's inventory strategies and analysis across its showroom network. You will leverage data-driven insights to optimize space allocation, inventory investments, and product assortment. Responsibilities include analyzing planogram performance, generating actionable recommendations, building financial targets, executing A/B testing, and identifying opportunities for assortment optimization. You will also develop and maintain a showroom tiering system, define assortment standards, present performance analyses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills, advanced Excel skills, and experience in allocation, store planning, or inventory planning within a retail environment. This role requires a strategic approach, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• BA degree or equivalent, preferred
• 3+ years’ experience in allocation, store planning, and/or inventory planning; preferably in a retail environment
• Highly attentive to details
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Excel skills including complex formulas, pivot tables, 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

Responsibilities

• Analyze planogram performance across key metrics including inventory turns, backstock investment, showroom tiering performance, and out-of-stock rates to identify optimization opportunities
• Generate actionable insights and recommendations based on KPI analysis to drive strategic decisions on space allocation and inventory investments
• Build financial targets by channel and showroom, incorporating inventory investment initiatives, seasonal merchandising strategies, and new product launch expectations into financial projections
• Execute A/B testing and control group analysis to measure incremental sales lift, conversion metrics, and operational efficiency gains from planogram modifications
• Analyze product performance data to identify opportunities for assortment optimization across locations
• Recommend strategic product additions and removals based on sales performance, customer feedback, and emerging trends
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive showroom tiering system that classifies locations based on sales volume, market opportunity, showroom size, and demographic factors
• Define clear assortment standards for each showroom tier including product category representation, price point distribution, and display sample quantities
• Present tier performance analysis and recommendations to leadership team on a regular basis
• Coordinate with merchandise planning team on showroom stock requirements, replenishment cycles, and inventory allocation priorities
• Work with retail operations to gather field feedback on product performance and customer requests
• Oversee showroom sample inventory budget and maintain spend within established financial targets
• Build and maintain comprehensive showroom reporting dashboards tracking key performance metrics by location, tier, and product category
• Support team in product selection and assortment planning for new showroom openings as point person

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Planning and Reporting software; experience with Domo, or similar, a plus

Benefits

• Career Growth
• Diverse, mission-minded team
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Continued Education
• Employee Discounts
• Mental Wellness Perks
• Giving Back and Volunteer Opportunities
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401k match
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Disability and Life insurance
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits