Deputy Manager - Buying & Merchandising (Apparel & Accessories)

Skechers; Mumbai; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Skechers India seeks a Deputy Manager in Buying & Merchandising at Andheri East, Mumbai, to drive seasonal assortment planning, vendor coordination and sample development for India-designed women’s sportswear and activewear. You will align with cross‑functional teams to deliver commercially relevant products on schedule.

The ideal candidate will have 6–8 years in apparel buying/merchandising, a NIFT qualification, and strong Excel, negotiation and vendor-management skills.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Buying & assortment planning for India-designed women’s apparel and accessories.
• Coordinate development, review samples and track progress against calendars.
• Negotiate costs, min. order quantities and delivery timelines with suppliers.
• Monitor stock, sell-through and replenishment in collaboration with planning.
• Collaborate with design, sourcing, quality and retail teams to support seasonal launches.

Skills

Women’s apparel buying

Activewear experience

Merchandising

Assortment planning

Vendor management

Negotiation

Excel

Education

NIFT degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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 ManagerRole: Buying & MerchandisingLocation: Andheri East (Mumbai)Department: Apparel & AccessoriesExperience: 6–8 yearsReporting to: Senior Manager – B&MRole type: Individual ContributorKey ResponsibilitiesBuying & Assortment PlanningDevelop 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 ManagementCoordinate 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 CoordinationWork 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 PerformanceMonitor 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 ExecutionCollaborate 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 & ExperienceGraduate 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 & CompetenciesStrong 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 SkechersSkechers, 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.