Manager - Category Management (Kids)

Role overview

This role is focused on accelerating Puma India’s growth in the Kids category. The position reports to the Lead Buying Accessories, Equipment & Kids and centers on assortment strategy, consumer-led product planning, and strong execution across the product lifecycle.

Core mission

You will shape seasonal product ranges, use customer and market inputs to refine the category, and help ensure timely delivery to stores and selling platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Create season-wise assortments across price tiers, category lines, sales channels, and age segments such as PS, Youth, and Infant, while spotting assortment gaps.
• Convert market movements, consumer behavior, and competitive signals into practical product direction covering design, colors, fabrics, and fit.
• Work closely with design and sourcing teams to build products that balance visual appeal, function, and target cost.
• Manage OTB and buying plans, including order placement, and optimize the mix between breadth and depth.
• Use trends, fabric knowledge, and fit feedback with design and sourcing partners to improve sell-through.
• Monitor sales, margin, sell-through, and weeks of cover; act on repeats, markdowns, and exits as needed.
• Apply consumer and competitor insights to continuously improve the assortment.
• Coordinate across functions to support smooth go-to-market execution.

Success measures

• Ability to forecast trends and plan ranges effectively.
• Strong product analysis and business planning capability.
• Effective coordination with vendors and sourcing partners.
• Clear presentation and product storytelling skills.
• Comfort with advanced Excel and planning tools.
• Understanding of global range planning practices.
• High sensitivity to product quality, trend relevance, and market fit.
• Capability to manage global stakeholders.
• Knowledge of OTB and buy planning.
• Strong execution in GTM programs.
• Collaborative working style across teams.
• Agile, practical, and solution-focused mindset.

Eligibility and experience

The ideal candidate has prior experience in a product or buying function, understands the fundamentals of buying and merchandising, and preferably has exposure to the kids category. A background of 5 to 8 years in merchandising or buying is preferred, along with strong product judgment, analytical thinking, and ownership of execution.

About the company

PUMA is a global sports brand known for footwear, apparel, and accessories that serve athletes and everyday movers. The group operates in more than 120 countries and has around 22,000 employees worldwide.

Equal opportunity statement

PUMA welcomes applicants of all genders and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The company emphasizes fairness, transparency, and human-led hiring decisions. Automated systems and AI tools are not used to make recruitment decisions, though AI-supported administrative tasks such as interview scheduling may be used.