Category Manager

European Association of Zoos and Aquaria; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Miral Experiences in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Category Manager to own end-to-end retail product categories, ensuring the right products are developed, sourced, and delivered to meet guest expectations and business objectives.

You will build strong supplier relationships, analyze sales and inventory, and collaborate with planning, compliance, and marketing to drive category growth while ensuring UAE regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in retail buying and product development.
• Lifecycle management from concept to market.
• Strong supplier and vendor management experience.
• Experience analyzing sales and inventory data to make commercial decisions.
• Knowledge of budgeting, gross profit management, and open-to-buy planning.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and retail systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end retail product categories.
• Develop, source, and deliver products to meet guest expectations and business objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, vendors, and licensing partners.
• Identify new product opportunities, market trends, and sourcing solutions to enhance category performance.
• Collaborate with Merchandising Planning on buy plans, forecasting, inventory management, and intake schedules.
• Monitor sales, stock performance, and margin targets to drive commercial results.
• Support pricing, product setup, visual merchandising standards, and PO processes.
• Ensure products meet UAE regulatory, testing, and compliance requirements.
• Work cross-functionally with Planning, Inventory, Compliance, Finance, Operations, and Marketing.
• Support events, seasonal activations, annual pass initiatives, and other opportunities.
• Contribute to category growth strategies and long-term business objectives.

Skills

Retail buying

Product development

Supplier management

Sales & inventory analysis

Budgeting & GP mgmt

Open-to-buy planning

Stakeholder mgmt

Excel proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Fluent English

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Retail systems

Job description

Join us at Miral Experiences!

Miral Experiences is a region’s leader in the management and operation of world‑class, award‑winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. Our diverse portfolio includes some of the most iconic entertainment and leisure destinations, including Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and TeamLab. Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan.

We specialize in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery. Our attractions are designed to ignite the imagination and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world. Whether you're seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, we offer something for everyone.

What You’ll Do

As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of your product categories, ensuring the right products are developed, sourced, and delivered to meet guest expectations and business objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the development and execution of retail product ranges within assigned categories.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and licensing partners.
• Identifying new product opportunities, market trends, and sourcing solutions to enhance category performance.
• Collaborating closely with Merchandise Planning teams on buy plans, forecasting, inventory management, and intake schedules.
• Monitoring sales, stock performance, and margin targets to drive commercial results.
• Supporting pricing, product setup, visual merchandising standards, and purchase order processes.
• Ensuring products meet UAE regulatory, testing, and compliance requirements.
• Working cross-functionally with Planning, Inventory, Compliance, Finance, Operations, and Marketing teams.
• Supporting events, seasonal activations, annual pass initiatives, and other commercial opportunities.
• Contributing to category growth strategies and long-term business objectives.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in retail buying and product development.
• Proven experience managing products through the full lifecycle, from concept to market.
• Strong supplier and vendor management experience.
• Experience analyzing sales and inventory data to make commercial decisions.
• Knowledge of budgeting, gross profit management, and open-to-buy planning.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and retail systems.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within theme parks, attractions, entertainment, destination retail, or leisure industries.
• Experience working with licensed brands, intellectual property (IP), and character merchandise.
• Experience working with regional or international brands across the GCC.

Skills & Attributes

• Commercially minded and results-driven.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proactive and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative team player with strong relationship‑building capabilities.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Shape the Future With Us

At Miral Experiences, we don’t just create world-class destinations - we create unforgettable memories for our guests and remarkable careers for our people.

From theme parks and attractions to guest services and behind-the-scenes roles, every member of our team plays a part in delivering exceptional experiences. We’re driven by passion, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence in everything we do.

We’re looking for passionate, driven, and talented individuals who are ready to grow, lead, and make a difference. No matter your background or expertise, there's a place for you at Miral Experiences.