Footwear Purchase Specialist

Job Title- Footwear Purchase Specialist (Footwear Merchandising)Location- Mumbai (Footwear specialist), Pune (apparel/D2C purchase expert)Department - Supply Chain LogisticsAbout UsFrido is dedicated to enhancing daily living through innovative, ergonomic solutions that promote comfort and well-being. Our mission is to design the next generation of products to empower people to walk, sit, and sleep better. Each product we create is fueled by the same passion that drove us to innovate from day one: to give people the freedom to do more. Join us in our mission to transform everyday struggles into freedom and joy. Discover Frido, and experience the freedom to live life your way.Role OverviewWe are looking for a Footwear Purchase Executive to manage end-to-end sourcing, vendor coordination, and procurement operations for our footwear category. This role requires strong commercial acumen, vendor management skills, and an understanding of footwear materials, costing, and production cycles.Key Responsibilities• Vendor Managemento Identify, onboard, and manage footwear manufacturers and material supplierso Build strong relationships to ensure reliability, quality, and scalability• Sourcing & Procuremento Execute purchase orders based on demand forecasts and inventory planso Negotiate pricing, MOQs, and payment terms with vendorso Ensure cost efficiency while maintaining product quality• Product & Material Understandingo Work closely with design and product teams on material selection (fabrics, soles, trims, etc.)o Ensure samples meet required specifications before bulk production• Inventory Planningo Coordinate with planning teams to maintain optimal stock levelso Avoid stock-outs and overstocking• Quality & Complianceo Ensure products meet quality benchmarks and brand standardso Coordinate QC checks and resolve production issues• Production Coordinationo Track order status from sampling to final deliveryo Ensure adherence to timelines and escalate delays proactively• Data & Reportingo Maintain purchase records, vendor performance metrics, and cost sheetso Analyze procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunitiesMandatory Skills1. 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 simultaneously3. Costing & Commercial Acumen• Ability to break down product costing (material, labor, logistics, margins)• Strong focus on cost optimization4. Supply Chain & Planning• Understanding of procurement cycles, lead times, and inventory planning• Ability to align supply with demand forecasts5. Quality Control Awareness• Familiarity with QC processes, sampling stages, and defect identification6. Execution Rigor• Strong follow-ups and ownership of timelines• Ability to handle multiple SKUs and orders simultaneously7. Data & Tools• Proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets (must-have)• Ability to manage trackers, POs, and basic data analysisPreferred 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)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-focusedInterested candidates can share their resume on

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