Impulse - Senior Manager - Business Devleopment & Marketing - Footwear Division

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Manager to lead our Footwear division.

The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in footwear product development, sourcing, merchandising, and operations.

This role demands a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of global footwear markets, exceptional leadership skills, and a track record of driving growth and profitability.

The Senior Manager will be responsible for managing key retailer relationships, optimizing the supply chain, and delivering high-quality products on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities:

Retailer Relationship Management:

- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with leading US and UK retailers to ensure alignment with market trends and customer requirements.

Product Development:

- Lead end-to-end footwear product development from initial concept ideation, design, prototyping, to final sample approval, ensuring innovation and quality standards.

Vendor Management & Sourcing:

- Identify, onboard, and manage a robust vendor base to support production needs.

- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and ensure vendor compliance with company policies and international

standards.

Operations & Quality Control:

Financial Performance:

- Drive profitability by optimizing cost structures, improving operational efficiencies, and implementing best practices across the footwear category.

Team Leadership:

- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of merchandisers and sourcing professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Business, Management, or a related field.

- Minimum 15 years of progressive experience with reputed buying houses or export houses specializing in footwear.

- Deep expertise in both leather and non-leather footwear categories, including costing, compliance, and quality standards.

- Proven track record in strategic vendor management, contract negotiation, and driving operational excellence.

- Strong leadership skills with demonstrated experience managing and mentoring teams.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with global retailers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Key Competencies:

- Strategic Thinking & Market Insight

- Negotiation & Vendor Relationship Management

- Product Development Lifecycle Management

- Operational Excellence & Supply Chain Management

- Leadership & Team Development

- Quality Assurance & Compliance

- Financial Acumen & Profitability Focus