Merchandise Planner

EMPIRE OFFICE INC•Elkridge, MD

5d•$65,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Merchandise Planner to support our growing model home business by managing the sourcing, purchasing, and inventory of FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) and accessories. This role is highly data-driven and focused on planning buys, forecasting needs, and managing budgets rather than traditional retail merchandising. The Merchandise Planner will play a critical role in ensuring product availability, controlling costs, and supporting the seamless execution of model home installations.

Requirements

3–7 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or buying (furniture, décor, retail, or related field preferred).
Strong analytical skills; proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets required.
Excellent organizational and communication skills with a detail-oriented mindset.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with inventory systems, ERP, or planning tools a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute accessory and FF&E purchase plans aligned with project budgets and timelines.
Analyze spend, usage, and trends to forecast future purchasing requirements.
Negotiate with vendors to secure competitive pricing, lead times, and terms.
Manage accessory and FF&E inventory across warehouses and project sites.
Maintain accurate records of stock levels, replenishment needs, and turnover.
Ensure alignment of inventory availability with installation and project schedules.
Prepare reports on purchasing activity, budget performance, and vendor efficiency.
Build and maintain dashboards for leadership visibility into spend, inventory, and supplier metrics.
Use data to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
Partner with design, project management, and logistics teams to deliver on project requirements.
Work closely with finance to monitor budgets, variances, and purchasing compliance.