About this role
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
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Buying & Assortment Planning
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Develop seasonal assortments aligned with consumer preferences, market trends, brand direction, and business objectives.
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Plan the product mix across styles, sizes, colors, and price points, with particular emphasis on women’s apparel.
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Analyze historical sales, category performance, and market opportunities to recommend buying quantities and assortment changes.
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Support buying and merchandising for assigned accessories categories.
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Product Development & Sample Management
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Coordinate the development of India-designed collections with design, sourcing, and quality teams.
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Track samples, reviews, and approvals against seasonal development calendars.
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Review fabrics, trims, fit, construction, and product specifications with relevant teams to ensure alignment with brand requirements.
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Maintain accurate product information, assortment records and sample trackers.
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Sourcing & Vendor Coordination
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Work with domestic and import suppliers to identify suitable products and development capabilities.
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Negotiate costs, minimum order quantities and delivery timelines within approved commercial parameters.
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Coordinate purchase orders, production progress and deliveries, escalating risks promptly.
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Build effective vendor relationships and monitor supplier performance.
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Inventory & Category Performance
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Monitor sales, sell-through, stock availability and inventory ageing to identify opportunities and risks.
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Recommend replenishment, stock optimisation and markdown actions in coordination with planning and retail teams.
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Prepare regular buying and merchandising reports to support category decisions.
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Cross-functional Execution
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Collaborate with design, sourcing, quality, supply chain and retail teams to support seasonal launches.
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Ensure timely closure of development and delivery milestones.
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Resolve product, supplier and assortment issues to maintain business continuity.
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Qualifications & Experience
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Graduate or postgraduate qualification from NIFT.
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6–8 years of relevant experience in apparel buying, merchandising, assortment planning and product development.
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Women’s apparel buying experience is mandatory.
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Experience in sportswear or activewear is preferred.
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Understanding of domestic and import supplier networks.
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Exposure to accessories buying and merchandising would be an advantage.
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Required Skills & Competencies
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Strong commercial judgement, trend awareness and understanding of the Indian consumer.
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Knowledge of apparel fabrics, garment construction, fit and product development.
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Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel for planning, reporting and data analysis.
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Effective negotiation and vendor management skills.
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Clear verbal and written communication, with the ability to coordinate across teams.
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Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple seasonal priorities and deadlines.
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About Skechers
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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.