Manager, Merchandise Strategy & Inventory Planning Operations

Company: Startops
Location: Boston
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Manager, Merchandise Strategy & Inventory PlanningDevelop and implement inventory strategies to optimize sales-to-stock ratiosLocation: BostonJob Tags: OperationsAbout The RoleManager, Merchandise Strategy & Inventory PlanningWe're leading the way in redefining the workwear category. Our mission is to engineer better boots and apparel for our country's tradesmen and women by working directly with real workers to learn what they actually need to execute their jobs.The BRUNT team is not only devoted to improving on the old workwear standards but we're also creating a community that tradesmen and women can call their own. From our weekly hangouts at the BRUNT Garage, to hosting events across the country, we're all about getting boots on the ground and building something real with the BRUNT crew.What You'll DoWe're looking for an analytical, detail-oriented, and strategic Manager, Merchandise Strategy & Inventory Planning to join our fast-growing team at BRUNT. In this high-impact role, you'll forecast product demand and develop robust inventory strategies that optimize our sales-to-stock ratios. You'll partner closely with cross-functional teams and play a critical role in both tactical day-to-day execution and long-term strategic planning. Your insights will directly inform financial decisions, inventory buys, and future product development.How You'll Do ItPlan, Forecast & Analyze:

• Create seasonal and annual plans by category and style, supporting both eCommerce and wholesale channels.
• Lead bottoms-up planning with business stakeholders to build accurate line plans grounded in hindsight, trends, and growth goals.
• Own monthly unit forecasts across all channels, incorporating marketing inputs, seasonal trends, product lifecycle data, and business intelligence.Communicate & Collaborate:
  • Serve as the hub to many spokes-collaborating daily with merchandising, marketing, operations, data, and finance to align on targets and plan execution.
  • Present regular insights and updates to senior leadership and the ELT. Clearly communicate trends, risks, and opportunities in inventory and demand.
  • Partner with third-party data science teams to enhance planning accuracy and performance through advanced analytics.Own Key Processes:
    • Drive the open-to-buy process, ensuring stakeholder buy-in and alignment before purchasing decisions are finalized.
    • Create and maintain weekly/monthly sell-through reporting, hindsight analysis, and channel-specific inventory tracking.
    • Monitor ongoing demand, identify gaps/opportunities, and adjust plans accordingly.Improve & Scale:
      • Continuously refine demand planning models and improve tools and processes to support scale and new channel expansion.
      • Balance short-term execution needs with long-term process improvement initiatives.
      • Lead root cause analysis and troubleshooting when forecasts and targets misalign.What You Need to Succeed
        • 6+ years of experience in inventory planning or demand forecasting, ideally in a hybrid wholesale and D2C/eCommerce environment.
        • SME using ERP and planning systems with preference to Toolio, Anaplan, Blue Yonder.
        • Strong command of Excel (advanced modeling experience required; a test or example may be requested).
        • Ability to synthesize complex data and distill it into actionable insights and recommendations.
        • Strong communication and leadership presence with the ability to influence at all levels.
        • A drive for continuous improvement and a passion for streamlining processes.
        • The ability to shift seamlessly between tactical execution and long-term strategy.Why BRUNT?At BRUNT, people come first. That's why we support the whole employee.This is how we do it:Financial Wellness:
          • Competitive compensation
          • Equity
          • 401k and retirement plan assistanceHealth & Wellbeing:
            • Dental and Vision 100% covered by BRUNT
            • Comprehensive medical benefits
            • Paid parental leaveProfessional Development:
              • Clear and transparent performance management process
              • Understanding how you can level up at BRUNTCulture and Community:
                • All-Hands meetings twice a year for the entire team to connect
                • Flexible and collaborative work environment
                • Thursdays social events with co-workers and community membersNo matter what experience you have within our industry we encourage you to apply. At BRUNT, we believe that a strong crew is assembled with people from different backgrounds.We look for individuals who thrive on challenges, will be passionate about our brand, and believe that teamwork is necessary for success. Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to BRUNT. We can't wait to hear from you!
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Keywords: Startops, Springfield , Manager, Merchandise Strategy & Inventory Planning Operations, Professions , Boston, Massachusetts