Avp - buying & merchandising (gifts & accessories)

Role OverviewWe’re looking for a seasoned Buyer & Merchandiser to lead the Gifts & Accessories category at IGP.com. This role is ideal for someone who combines sharp business acumen with deep category knowledge and a strong sense of consumer trends. You’ll drive the growth and profitability of a key vertical by owning end-to-end buying, international sourcing, vendor development, and product curation, build and scale product lines across platforms, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & Planning- Own the P&L for Gifts & Accessories, driving revenue growth, gross margin improvement, and portfolio expansion.- Build a 3–6 month roadmap aligned with IGP’s brand goals, seasonality, and emerging consumer trends.- Plan seasonal calendars and buying budgets in sync with forecasted demand and promotional cycles.- Identify product gaps and new opportunities across lifestyle, home décor, personalized gifts, and fashion accessories.- Align assortment strategies with key occasions (Diwali, Rakhi, Valentine’s Day, etc.) and international events.Buying & Merchandising- Lead the complete buying lifecycle—from product discovery and evaluation to price negotiation, PO management, and catalogue go-live.- Curate differentiated collections in line with IGP’s brand DNA and consumer expectations.- Ensure timely product development and reordering through efficient vendor coordination and timeline management.- Work closely with design and marketing teams on catalogue themes, influencer drops, and gifting campaigns.- Optimize listing quality (titles, images, attributes) for better discoverability and conversion.International & China Sourcing- Develop and manage supplier networks in China and other key sourcing hubs for cost-efficient, quality-driven procurement.- Coordinate with international suppliers on MOQs, lead times, compliance, and shipping schedules.- Visit trade fairs (e.g., Canton Fair, Global Sources) and maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging product trends and supplier innovations.- Collaborate with legal and logistics teams for smooth customs clearance and import documentation.- Balance import-led sourcing with domestic vendor development to ensure agility and cost competitiveness.Vendor Development & Relationship Management- Build a reliable ecosystem of vendors including domestic manufacturers, international suppliers, artisans, and white-label partners.- Negotiate contracts, payment terms, SLAs, and pricing to drive better margins and operational efficiency.- Introduce private label SKUs and exclusive collaborations to enhance brand differentiation.- Regularly audit supplier performance across quality, delivery timelines, and compliance metrics.Analytics & Performance Management- Monitor key metrics: revenue, margins, inventory turns, sell-through, and returns.- Leverage data to refine buying strategies, reduce dead stock, and increase category velocity.- Generate actionable dashboards and MIS reports for leadership reviews and planning.- Use consumer behavior insights to guide assortment planning and promotional campaigns.Team & Cross-Functional Leadership- Lead and mentor a small team of category buyers and merchandisers.- Foster strong collaboration with marketing, design, tech, logistics, and customer experience teams.- Champion digital tools and platforms to automate workflows and improve buying efficiency.- Drive process excellence, SOP standardization, and vendor onboarding digitization.Must-Have Skills & Experience- 10–15 years of experience in buying, merchandising, or category management—preferably in e-commerce, lifestyle retail, or gifting.- Proven track record of managing a high-growth category (₹100 Cr+ revenue).- Strong sourcing and negotiation experience with China and international markets/vendors.- Deep understanding of e-commerce merchandising, product curation, and consumer trends.- Hands-on experience with dropshipping, private label development, or multi-vendor ecosystems.Core Competencies- Commercially driven with a strong eye for detail and product sensibility.- Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.- High proficiency in Excel, reporting tools, and ERP systems.- Strong communication and team leadership abilities.- Trend awareness in lifestyle, home, fashion accessories, and gifting.Educational Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, or related field is required.- MBA/PGDM in Marketing, Retail, or Supply Chain preferred.Success Metrics- Year-on-Year growth in revenue and contribution margins for Gifts & Accessories.- Successful onboarding of China-based and global suppliers.- Faster go-to-market timelines and reduced procurement lead times.- Launch of private label ranges and exclusive collections.- Higher assortment freshness and customer engagement rates.