Merchandise Planner

MACHETE is a handcrafted accessories brand founded in 2015 by JJ Matchett, inspired by the idea that everyday pieces made with care can become heirloom-quality keepsakes. Drawing on a background in vintage buying, the company emphasizes thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and materials that look and feel good while standing the test of time. What began with a few acetate earring designs has grown into a full line of accessories offered online and through hundreds of independent retailers worldwide. Based in Atlanta, GA, the team is committed to creativity, attention to detail, and delivering products that customers can enjoy for years. Applicants can expect to join a small, dedicated team focused on quality, design, and customer experience. Role Description MACHETE is seeking a Merchandise Planner to lead inventory planning, forecasting and replenishment across all sales channels. This role will serve as the primary owner of inventory health, ensuring the business maintains appropriate stock levels to support growth while minimizing stockouts and excess inventory. Working closely with the Founder & CEO, Product Development, Sales and Operations teams, the Merchandise Planner will translate business goals, sales trends and inventory data into actionable purchasing recommendations. This role is responsible for determining how much inventory to buy and when to buy it, while the Founder & CEO maintains ownership of product vision, assortment strategy and final purchasing approvals. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop and maintain sales forecasts across DTC, wholesale, marketplace and national retail channels. Monitor inventory levels, weeks of supply and product performance to proactively identify stockout and overstock risks. Analyze sales trends, inventory performance and future demand to make data-driven replenishment recommendations. Determine reorder timing and recommended purchase quantities based on sales forecasts, lead times, inventory targets and business objectives. Partner with the Founder & CEO to support inventory investment decisions while preserving her ownership of product strategy, assortment planning and creative direction. Collaborate with Product Development on upcoming launches to ensure inventory plans align with new product introductions and seasonal initiatives. Work closely with Purchasing and Operations teams to track open purchase orders, monitor production timelines and identify potential inventory risks. Manage inventory allocation across channels to support revenue goals and maintain healthy in-stock rates. Develop and maintain inventory reporting, including forecast accuracy, inventory coverage, stockout risks, excess inventory risks and open purchase order status. Implement and refine demand planning frameworks, sophisticated forecasting tools, and stock optimization tactics to facilitate brand scaling. Deliver recurring status reports and data-driven insights regarding stock levels to the executive team. Qualifications 4-6 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory planning, demand planning or supply chain planning Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Merchandising or a related field, or equivalent practical experience Experience forecasting and managing inventory within a consumer products, retail or ecommerce business Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret sales, inventory and margin data to inform planning decisions Knowledge of demand planning principles including forecasting, assortment planning and open-to-buy management Advanced Excel or Google Sheets proficiency Experience working with inventory management systems and ERP platforms Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills Experience with wholesale and national retail accounts preferred Experience managing inventory with overseas manufacturing partners preferred Experience supporting both ecommerce and retail distribution channels preferred Familiarity with inventory forecasting and planning tools preferred #J-18808-Ljbffr