Deputy Manager - Buying & Merchandising (Apparel & Accessories)
Skechers · Mumbai
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.