What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Merchandising & Inventory Planning position at W3Global?
Position Summary
Client is seeking a hands-on merchandising leader who specializes in fine jewelry to oversee body jewelry purchasing, inventory planning and product presentation across our studios. Reporting to the CEO, this role supports sales growth, profitability, and consistent product availability.
Key Responsibilities
Client is seeking a hands-on merchandising leader who specializes in fine jewelry to oversee body jewelry purchasing, inventory planning and product presentation across our studios. Reporting to the CEO, this role supports sales growth, profitability, and consistent product availability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead jewelry, purchasing, and inventory planning. Oversee purchasing, allocation, and replenishment across studios and the central distribution hub. Determine when to replenish existing inventory, transfer between studios or purchase from vendors.
- Develop jewelry assortments. Build core and studio-specific selections based on sales trends, client preferences, and local demand. Partner with experienced piercers to ensure appropriate materials, sizes, and compatible components.
- Forecast inventory needs and manage purchasing budgets. Develop sales, purchasing and inventory plans by studio, category and vendor. Partner with Finance to manage approved purchasing budgets and maintain essential jewelry availability.
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiations. Negotiate pricing, order minimums, delivery timelines, payment terms, and return or exchange options. Review vendor performance and resolve product defects, shortages, and outstanding credits.
- Improve sales and inventory performance. Monitor sales, margins, and inventory movement to identify opportunities to improve profitability. Reduce slow-moving stock through studio transfers, vendor returns or exchanges, and approved markdowns.
- Establish inventory standards and controls. Maintain accurate product information and consistent procedures for receiving transfers, returns, and inventory counts. Work with Operations and Finance to investigate discrepancies and improve inventory accuracy.
- Support merchandising and product education. Establish jewelry display and organization standards that reflect the brand and support an easy shopping experience. Partner with Operations and Training on product education, assortment changes and client-focused selling.
- Report performance and recommend improvements. Provide regular reports on sales, margins, inventory availability, and purchasing commitments. Present assortment reviews, vendor performance, and purchasing recommendations to the CEO and Finance.