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.
