What are the responsibilities and job description for the Merchandise Planning & Inventory Manager position at Benaar LA?
Company Overview:
BENAAR LA is a fast-growing eCommerce fashion brand dedicated to dressing women ages 35 in elegant, sophisticated, and edgy pieces—at accessible prices. We are passionate about delivering high-quality fashion while fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and creative work environment. Join us as we empower women to express their unique style through thoughtfully curated collections.
Role Summary:
We’re seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Merchandise Planning & Inventory Manager to lead product planning, buying, and inventory management across the business. This role is responsible for ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time—balancing demand forecasting, inventory levels, and assortment planning to drive sales and minimize risk.
This is a highly cross-functional role that partners closely with design, production, and marketing to align product strategy with business goals. In addition to leading planning and buying, this role will own purchase order management and supply chain operations, while also overseeing warehouse and fulfillment execution.
This role is in-person in Downtown Los Angeles.
Responsibilities:
Merchandise Planning, Buying & PO Management
- Own merchandise planning strategy, including assortment planning, SKU productivity, and seasonal buys
- Forecast demand by style, category, and channel to inform purchasing decisions
- Place, manage, and track purchase orders (POs) with vendors and manufacturers, ensuring accuracy, timelines, and compliance with import requirements (customs paperwork, duties, HTS codes, etc.)
- Maintain visibility into PO status, production timelines, and delivery schedules
- Analyze sales performance, sell-through, and inventory levels to optimize product mix and reorder strategies
- Manage inventory flow across channels (e-commerce, wholesale, pop-ups, etc.)
- Partner with design and production teams to align product development with business needs and margin goals
- Develop and maintain inventory plans, open-to-buy (OTB), and replenishment strategies
- Identify risks and opportunities in-season and proactively adjust plans
Supply Chain Management & Inventory Optimization
- Own end-to-end supply chain management, from order placement through final delivery, including from overseas vendors
- Coordinate with vendors, factories, freight forwarders, and logistics partners to ensure on-time production and delivery
- Manage inbound logistics, including domestic and international shipments, import processes, and documentation
- Maintain accurate inventory tracking across all systems and locations
- Lead inventory reconciliation, audits, and reporting
- Monitor stock levels to prevent overstocking, stockouts, and excess inventory risk
- Optimize inventory turnover and lifecycle management
Warehouse & Fulfillment Oversight (Secondary Focus)
- Oversee day-to-day warehouse operations, including shipping, receiving, and storage
- Ensure efficient and accurate order fulfillment processes and on-time shipping
- Manage inventory movement between warehouse, studio, photoshoots, and external locations
- Establish and improve SOPs for picking, packing, returns processing, and inventory handling
- Partner with logistics providers and mail carriers to ensure service levels are met
- Step in hands-on as needed to support operations and maintain workflow continuity
- Oversee returns processing workflows, including restocking, quality checks, and inventory updates
- Monitor return rates and reasons to inform buying and product decisions
- Ensure compliance with shipping, customs, and import requirements
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting
- Partner with marketing and e-commerce teams to plan inventory for launches, promotions, and campaigns
- Provide reporting and insights on sales, inventory health, PO status, and forecasting accuracy
- Support leadership with data-driven recommendations to drive growth and profitability
- Manage timelines, priorities, and operational deliverables across functions
Miscellaneous Responsibilities
- Support evolving business needs by taking ownership of ad hoc operational projects and priorities
- Assist with special initiatives, launches, pop-ups, or cross-functional projects as needed
- Handle time-sensitive errands and on-site operational tasks to ensure day-to-day business continuity
- Support photoshoot and marketing operations by coordinating inventory pulls and transporting product to and from shoot locations, and ensuring accurate tracking before and after shoots
- Create and maintain line sheets, product catalogs, SKU trackers, and operational documentation
- Maintain clean, accurate product lifecycle tracking from production through fulfillment
Requirements:
- 4–7 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, buying, or supply chain management at a fashion retailer
- Proven experience placing and managing purchase orders, especially with import vendors and owning import logistics (customs paperwork, duties & fees, HTS codes, etc.)
- Strong understanding of supply chain operations, logistics, and inventory flow
- Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets (forecasting, reporting, analysis)
- Experience with Shopify or similar e-commerce platforms
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Valid driver’s license and ability to support operational needs (lifting up to 30 lbs as needed)
- Based in Los Angeles — in-person role
How to Apply:
If you’re a self-starter with a passion for fashion and operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you!
Send your resume and a short cover letter to sherlimikail@benaarla.com with the subject line:
“Merchandise Planning and Operations Manager Application.”