Description:

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.