Procurement and Vendor Relations Manager

Procurement and Vendor Relations Manager - Secaucus, NJ

Position Overview:

We are seeking a results-driven, innovative, and passionate leader to serve in the role of Procurement Manager within our Operations Group at Brilliant Earth. You will be responsible for managing procurement, supply chain, and vendor management functions within the gemstone departments. You will be directing the procurement of all our gemstone purchases, including assortment planning & execution, financial planning & execution, and inventory replenishment. In addition, you will be accountable for oversight in planning inventory levels and analyzing past trends. You will also be responsible for managing day-to-day vendor relations and building relationships with vendors who share Brilliant Earth’s commitment to responsible sourcing.

The primary objectives of this position are to maximize product selection, efficiency, quality, and customer experience critical to Brilliant Earth’s success, while developing strong vendor relationships and managing inventory planning. You will be a leader within our operations team, which is dedicated to delivering excellence from the time our customers place an order to the moment they open their package. You will also play a key role in advancing our goal of cultivating a more responsible jewelry industry.

Join our team of committed problem solvers who are passionate about ensuring that every Brilliant Earth purchase originates from responsible sources and meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

The ideal person for this role thrives in fast-paced start-up environments and has demonstrated an ability to be effective with finite resources. We have a social and environmental mission at the core of our company and are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about helping us achieve our social goals, as well as our business goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage procurement of all gemstone and jewelry purchases
• Manage relationships with partners and vendors, including developing new relationships, managing day-to-day vendor interactions, and handling escalations.
• Responsible for supply planning, purchasing, and inventory control. Oversee and continually improve purchasing with respect to the company’s quality, delivery and cost objectives.
• Ensure product supply chain is well developed and maintained to ensure a superior customer experience, timeliness, and a high level of efficiency.
• Create and apply demand forecasting models to determine local supply.
• Recruit, hire, and develop a strong team to meet company objectives. 
• Manage teams to empower individuals and help solve day to day problems. 
• Use sales and pricing data to understand and report on customer needs.
• Communicate with sales, production, and fulfillment teams regarding inventory levels and needs.
• Formulate and implement systems, policies and procedures to ensure smooth operation of business.
• Coordinate and allocate tasks and resources to ensure general operations run smoothly with vendors.
• Ensures adherence to responsible and traceable supply chain practices, including high standards of social and environmental responsibility.

Specific Qualifications Include:

• Graduate gemology degree preferred 
• Industry experience in gems and diamonds required 
•  Experience with vendor management and supply chain / production in a product, retail or eCommerce company
• Robust computer skills, including working knowledge of ERP systems.
• Experience leading and growing high performing teams to achieve and exceed goals.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferred.

Additional Qualifications:

• A Passion for Leadership. You have an open, positive, and collaborative leadership style and a desire to develop your team.
• A Data-Driven Approach. When it comes to complex business needs, you always start with the data. You have a knack for analyzing data sets to create a strategic action plan.
• An Eye for Innovation. You’re a creative thinker who brings new ideas to the table.
• A Mind for Multi-Tasking. You’re an expert at managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Master of Collaboration. You have a genuine ability to collaborate and contribute to a team effort.
• It’s All in the Details. When it comes to the customer experience, you know it’s the little things that count the most. You have a passion for process and a keen eye for detail in a fast-moving work environment.

What We Offer: 

• Career Growth. We want to see you sparkle! Through regular 1-1’s with your manager, a variety of training opportunities, and an annual 360 review process for all employees, our leaders are dedicated to creating clear pathways for growth. Learn more about how Brilliant Earth creates a culture of collaboration and growth Here!
• Diverse, mission-minded team. We were founded to cultivate a more transparent, sustainable, compassionate, & inclusive jewelry industry. Learn more about our impact and team diversity Here!
• Lifestyle Spending Account. At Brilliant Earth, we're committed to your well-being. Enjoy company reimbursements for eligible wellness expenses, such as gym memberships, massage, counseling, and more! 
• Continued Education. Company-sponsored learning in leadership, professional skills, diversity & inclusion, and access to tuition reimbursement for role-specific trainings.
• Employee Discounts. As an employee at Brilliant Earth, you’ll receive a generous discount on our jewelry.
• Mental Wellness Perks. We offer access to mental health resources, such as self-care apps and seminars. Our Employee Assistance program offers 24/7 access to counseling! 
• Giving Back and Volunteer Opportunities. In addition to our giving back programs, our teams support local initiatives and spend time together by volunteering.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision. We offer multiple plans to choose from, including a $0 monthly premium option for employee health insurance and employer HSA contributions. Insurance kicks in on the first day of your 2nd month! 
• 401k match. We know that saving for the future is important. That's why we offer a generous 401k match.
• Open PTO Policy. We know it’s important to recharge and relax. 
• Parental Leave. We aim to support our growing families. Employees can utilize our paid parental leave to bond and care for their new additions.
• Disability and Life insurance. 100% employer-paid.
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits. 

More About Us: