Director of Merchandising & Inventory Planning

W3Global; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a hands-on merchandising leader specializing in fine jewelry to oversee body jewelry purchasing, inventory planning and presentation across studios.

Reporting to the CEO, this role drives sales growth, profitability and reliable product availability while coordinating with operations, finance and vendor networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead jewelry purchasing and inventory planning across studios and central hub.
• Develop assortments based on sales trends, client preferences, and local demand.
• Forecast inventory needs and manage purchasing budgets with Finance.
• Manage vendor relationships, pricing, terms and credits; review performance.
• Improve sales and inventory performance by reducing slow-moving stock.
• Establish inventory standards and controls with Operations and Finance.
• Support merchandising and product education; establish display standards.
• Report sales, margins, inventory availability and purchasing recommendations to CEO and Finance.

Job description

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.

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

• 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.