Skechers
Assistant Manager - B&M (Sports Category - Footwear)
Skills
Job description
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.