Deputy Manager - Buying & Merchandising (Apparel & Accessories)

Skechers South Asia Private Limited; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Skechers South Asia Private Limited in Mumbai seeks a Deputy Manager - Buying & Merchandising to lead seasonal assortments and manage vendor coordination for India-designed women's sportswear and activewear. The role focuses on coordinating across design, sourcing, quality and retail teams to deliver market-relevant products on schedule.

You will drive product development, sample management and assortment execution, ensuring fabrics, trims and specs meet brand standards while maintaining

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 aligned with trends and business objectives.
• Coordinate product development and sample management with design, sourcing and quality teams.
• Sourcing & vendor coordination with domestic and import suppliers.
• Monitor inventory and category performance; suggest replenishment and markdown actions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely development and launches.

Skills

Women’s apparel buying

Merchandising

Vendor management

Excel planning & data analysis

Negotiation

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 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. Join our team of innovators, creators, and designers. Skechers, the global leader in comfort technologies, brings together employees from around the globe to deliver stylish products for people of all ages. Our employees are passionate about more than just the products we design, employees - we value community involvement and give back to local communities through a variety of initiatives including Skechers Foundation and Bobs for Dogs. Learn more about who Skechers supports local communities around the world. Stay up to date on our brand, job openings, community involvement, and more via LinkedIn.

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. From footwear to apparel and accessories, Skechers has a product for you and your family. Learn more about our many product offerings here.