Deputy Manager - Buying & Merchandising (Apparel & Accessories)

Skechers · Retail & E-commerce

Mumbai, MH, India
On-site
Posted yesterday

About the job

We are seeking a buying and merchandising professional to support seasonal assortment planning, sourcing and product development for Skechers India’s apparel and accessories business, with a primary focus on the India-designed women’s sportswear and activewear range.

The role will manage buying activities, vendor coordination, sample development, and assortment execution, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver commercially relevant products within agreed timelines and quality standards.

Designation: Deputy Manager

Role: Buying & Merchandising

Location: Andheri East (Mumbai)

Department: Apparel & Accessories

Experience: 6–8 years

Reporting to: Senior Manager – B&M

Role type: Individual Contributor

Key Responsibilities

Buying & Assortment Planning

Develop seasonal assortments aligned with consumer preferences, market trends, brand direction, and business objectives.

Plan the product mix across styles, sizes, colors, and price points, with particular emphasis on women’s apparel.

Analyze historical sales, category performance, and market opportunities to recommend buying quantities and assortment changes.

Support buying and merchandising for assigned accessories categories.

Product Development & Sample Management

Coordinate the development of India-designed collections with design, sourcing, and quality teams.

Track samples, reviews, and approvals against seasonal development calendars.

Review fabrics, trims, fit, construction, and product specifications with relevant teams to ensure alignment with brand requirements.

Maintain accurate product information, assortment records and sample trackers.

Sourcing & Vendor Coordination

Work with domestic and import suppliers to identify suitable products and development capabilities.

Negotiate costs, minimum order quantities and delivery timelines within approved commercial parameters.

Coordinate purchase orders, production progress and deliveries, escalating risks promptly.

Build effective vendor relationships and monitor supplier performance.

Inventory & Category Performance

Monitor sales, sell-through, stock availability and inventory ageing to identify opportunities and risks.

Recommend replenishment, stock optimisation and markdown actions in coordination with planning and retail teams.

Prepare regular buying and merchandising reports to support category decisions.

Cross-functional Execution

Collaborate with design, sourcing, quality, supply chain and retail teams to support seasonal launches.

Ensure timely closure of development and delivery milestones.

Resolve product, supplier and assortment issues to maintain business continuity.

Qualifications & Experience

Graduate or postgraduate qualification from NIFT .

6–8 years of relevant experience in apparel buying, merchandising, assortment planning and product development.

Women’s apparel buying experience is mandatory.

Experience in sportswear or activewear is preferred.

Understanding of domestic and import supplier networks.

Exposure to accessories buying and merchandising would be an advantage.

Required Skills & Competencies

Strong commercial judgement, trend awareness and understanding of the Indian consumer.

Knowledge of apparel fabrics, garment construction, fit and product development.

Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel for planning, reporting and data analysis.

Effective negotiation and vendor management skills.

Clear verbal and written communication, with the ability to coordinate across teams.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple seasonal priorities and deadlines.

About Skechers

Skechers, a global Fortune 500® company, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories. Serving over 180 countries and territories, Skechers connects customers to products through department and specialty stores, e-commerce and digital stores, and through our more than 5,300 Skechers retail locations.

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