AVP - Buying & Merchandising (Gifts & Accessories)

Role Overview We're looking for a seasoned Buyer & Merchandiser to lead the Gifts & Accessories category at 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 Responsibilities Category 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.