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.