Merchandise Manager

Job Title : Merchandising Manager, Sportswear and Athletics Division (e-commerce)

The Opportunity : RK Group in collaboration with a leading global footwear brand is setting up a new venture to run e-commerce operations for the brand. For the same, we are looking to build a strong merchandising team – an experienced Head of Merchandising with a team of detail-oriented, analytical and collaborative professionals who have prior experience in fashion / e-commerce merchandising (preferably footwear). The ideal Merchandising Manager should be able to support the implementation of merchandising strategy / assortment planning and also manage key stakeholders (partner brand and marketplaces), thereby achieving topline and bottomline targets.

Key Responsibilities :

Support in devising merchandising strategy :

Help develop merchandise strategy for all e-commerce channels (annual, seasonal and for major events), aligned with brand positioning and sales targets.

Optimise assortment strategy, working closely with design and sourcing teams.

Analyse product performance and consumer trends to take buying and replenishment decisions.

Managing stakeholders :

Build and nurture strong relationships with partner brand and its key stakeholders such as design, sourcing and pricing teams. Coordinate with brand partner on aspects like pricing and discounts (e.g., finalize differential discount plan for BAU vs events).

Partner with marketplaces (category teams) to ensure visibility and conversion. Push brand visibility on marketplaces via marketing campaigns, PLAs, strategic discussions with marketplaces for free-of-cost visibility. Discuss, plan and negotiate for participation in marketing events.

Cross functional collaboration :

Manage the merchandising calendar to align marketplace content with marketing campaigns, promotions and product launches.

Optimize marketplace site merchandising (brand store) by developing appropriate product catalogues, imagery and categorization.

To achieve bottomline target, work closely with operations / finance teams and brand partner to ensure that there are no leakages in revenues / claims and there is regular reconciliation / settlement.

Reporting and analytics :

Track key performance metrics (ASPs, discounts, customer returns, ROS, sell through, ageing, etc.) and make timely interventions on reorders, markdowns and exits. Also regularly track competition performance metrics.

Develop timely MIS reports for the Head of Merchandising / management.

Qualifications and Experience :

Graduates / Post graduates from NIFT / premier fashion institutes or Tier – 1 B-schools.

5 to 8 years of experience in e-commerce fashion merchandising, preferably in footwear category. Must be highly skilled in inventory planning, pricing strategy and managing large assortments.

Proven track record in vendor / brand management. In depth knowledge of marketplace operations and platform merchandising levers.

Strong understanding of fashion and consumer behaviour across price points.

Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to manage multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Location : Bangalore, with travel as required.

Reporting to : Head of Merchandising.

Compensation : Competitive and commensurate with experience. For the right candidate, compensation is not a constraint.