Key Responsibilities
•Vendor Management
oIdentify, onboard, and manage footwear manufacturers and material suppliers
oBuild strong relationships to ensure reliability, quality, and scalability
•Sourcing & Procurement
oExecute purchase orders based on demand forecasts and inventory plans
oNegotiate pricing, MOQs, and payment terms with vendors
oEnsure cost efficiency while maintaining product quality
•Product & Material Understanding
oWork closely with design and product teams on material selection (fabrics, soles, trims, etc.)
oEnsure samples meet required specifications before bulk production
•Inventory Planning
oCoordinate with planning teams to maintain optimal stock levels
oAvoid stock-outs and overstocking
•Quality & Compliance
oEnsure products meet quality benchmarks and brand standards
oCoordinate QC checks and resolve production issues
•Production Coordination
oTrack order status from sampling to final delivery
oEnsure adherence to timelines and escalate delays proactively
•Data & Reporting
oMaintain purchase records, vendor performance metrics, and cost sheets
oAnalyze procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities
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Mandatory Skills (Non-Negotiable)
1. Category Understanding
•Strong understanding of footwear construction (uppers, soles, lasts, materials)
•Knowledge of sourcing hubs (Agra, Ranipet, China, Vietnam etc.)
2. Vendor Management & Negotiation
•Proven ability to negotiate pricing and commercial terms
•Experience managing multiple vendors simultaneously
3. Costing & Commercial Acumen
•Ability to break down product costing (material, labor, logistics, margins)
•Strong focus on cost optimization
4. Supply Chain & Planning
•Understanding of procurement cycles, lead times, and inventory planning
•Ability to align supply with demand forecasts
5. Quality Control Awareness
•Familiarity with QC processes, sampling stages, and defect identification
6. Execution Rigor
•Strong follow-ups and ownership of timelines
•Ability to handle multiple SKUs and orders simultaneously
7. Data & Tools
•Proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets (must-have)
•Ability to manage trackers, POs, and basic data analysis
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Preferred Skills (Good to Have)
•Experience in D2C or e-commerce brands
•Exposure to ERP systems
•Understanding of import/export processes
•Basic design sensibility (helps in vendor discussions)
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Ideal Candidate Profile
•3–4 years of experience in footwear/apparel sourcing or buying
•Prior experience with manufacturers or D2C brands preferred
•Highly detail-oriented, structured, and execution-focused
