Merchandise Planner

EMPIRE OFFICE INC • Elkridge, MD

120d • $65,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Empire Office is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, with over 79 years of experience and more than 435 full-time employees across the country. We are the preeminent Steelcase dealer in the United States and support a list of more than 500 manufacturers. We partner with best-in-class architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen and manufacturers to deliver proven workspace solutions. With creative and cost-effective results, we address business challenges and activate brands. 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.
• Experience with inventory systems, ERP, or planning tools a plus.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with a detail-oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

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.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits and opportunities for growth within a high-growth division.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees