Deputy Manager Buying & Merchandising (Apparel & Accessories)

We are seeking a buying and merchandising professional to support seasonal assortment planning sourcing and product development for Skechers Indias apparel and accessories business with a primary focus on the India-designed womens 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: 68 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 womens 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.
• 68 years of relevant experience in apparel buying merchandising assortment planning and product development.
• Womens 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 5300 Skechers retail locations.