The Assistant Manager – Buying & Merchandising will support the Sports Footwear category in seasonal range planning, assortment building, product and category performance tracking, and End-of-Season Sale (EOSS) planning. The role will work closely with the Buying & Merchandising team, Marketing, Stores, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective range execution, product availability, sell-through, and category performance. The role will also contribute to store-level performance analysis, product knowledge initiatives, merchandise presentation, and new product development for key channels and partners. Particulars Details Job Title Buying & Merchandising Designation Assistant Manager Department Category – Footwear (Sports) Position Type Permanent Location Mumbai Reporting To Senior Manager – Buying & Merchandising No. of Reportees Individual Contributor Experience 2–5 Years Education Postgraduate qualification from FDDI or an equivalent qualification in Footwear, Fashion, Merchandising, Retail, or a related field. Role Purpose The Assistant Manager – Buying & Merchandising will support the Sports Footwear category in seasonal range planning, assortment building, product and category performance tracking, and End-of-Season Sale (EOSS) planning. The role will work closely with the Buying & Merchandising team, Marketing, Stores, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective range execution, product availability, sell-through, and category performance. The role will also contribute to store-level performance analysis, product knowledge initiatives, merchandise presentation, and new product development for key channels and partners. Key Roles & Responsibilities 1. Season Range Planning & Assortment • Support seasonal range planning and assortment building for the Sports Footwear category. • Participate in and coordinate season product conferences. • Support the development of category-wise product assortments aligned with business and category requirements. • Create and maintain seasonal buy forms and product catalogues. • Track and monitor seasonal product launches and ensure alignment with planned assortments. 2. Product & Delivery Management • Take ownership of tracking season deliveries for the respective category. • Monitor product availability and highlight potential delivery or availability gaps to relevant stakeholders. • Coordinate with internal teams to ensure timely execution of seasonal product plans. 3. Category Performance & Sell-Through • Monitor and analyses category performance and sell-through on a periodic basis. • Conduct in-depth analysis of performance at: • Region level • Store and store-grade level • Category level • Gender level • Style level • Size level • Identify key performance trends, gaps, and opportunities and share relevant insights with the Buying & Merchandising team. • Support achievement of agreed GM% and category performance deliverables. 4. EOSS Planning & Monitoring • Support the End-of-Season Sale (EOSS) planning in coordination with the Buying Manager. • Analyse category and store-level performance to support EOSS decisions. • Monitor EOSS performance and highlight key trends, opportunities, and concerns. 5. Marketing & Visual Merchandising Support • Support the Marketing calendar and key marketing initiatives for the season. • Draft and support the implementation of merchandise display plans for new-season products. • Coordinate with relevant teams to ensure appropriate product visibility and presentation across stores. 6. Product Training & Knowledge Building • Conduct product training sessions for store teams. • Build and strengthen product knowledge among store staff, particularly around key Sports Footwear products, features, benefits, and selling points. • Support the dissemination of seasonal product information to relevant stakeholders. 7. Product Development & Channel Support • Support new product development initiatives for key channels and partners. • Work with the Buying & Merchandising team to provide category and market inputs relevant to product development. • Support evaluation of product and assortment opportunities based on category and channel requirements. Role Specifications Qualification • Graduate from FDDI (Footwear Design & Development Institute) preferred. • Candidates with relevant educational qualifications in Footwear, Fashion, Retail, Merchandising, or related disciplines may also be considered. Experience • Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in Buying & Merchandising, preferably within the Sports Footwear / Footwear / Retail industry. • Prior experience in seasonal range planning, assortment building, category analysis, and sell-through management is preferred. Key Competencies • Seasonal Range Planning & Assortment Building • Sports Footwear / Footwear Category Knowledge • Buying & Merchandising • Sell-Through Management • Category Performance Analysis • Store-Level Performance Analysis • EOSS Planning & Management • Product & Size-Level Analysis • GM% & Category Performance Management • Product Knowledge & Training • Merchandise Display Planning • Cross-functional Coordination • Analytical & Data Interpretation Skills • Commercial Acumen • Attention to Detail Key Success Measures • Effective seasonal range and assortment planning • Achievement of category sell-through and GM% targets • Timely tracking and execution of seasonal deliveries • Accuracy and quality of category/store-level performance analysis • Effective EOSS planning and performance • Successful execution of product training and seasonal product initiatives • Contribution to new product development and channel-specific assortment opportunities 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.