Category Manager - End-to-End Product Development

Miral Experiences; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Miral Experiences seeks a Category Manager to lead retail product innovation at iconic attractions in Abu Dhabi. You will develop strategies, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure compliance with UAE regulations, all while collaborating with teams to enhance customer experiences.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in retail buying and product development, particularly within the theme park sector. Join us to shape the future of entertainment in the GCC!

Qualifications

• 7+ years in retail buying and product development, preferably in the theme park industry.
• Proven decision-making and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop category strategies and evaluate supplier options.
• Collaborate with Merchandise Planning to align buy plans.
• Analyze stock/sales trends to inform inventory decisions.

Skills

Retail buying experience

Product development

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Vendor management

Multitasking abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

POS systems

Retail inventory software

Job description

Miral Experiences is a region’s leader in the management and operation of world‑class, award‑winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi.

Job Summary

Join Miral Experiences, the fastest‑growing theme park operator in the Middle East, and take ownership of driving retail product innovation for iconic destinations such as Warner Brothers World Yas Island, SeaWorld Yas Island, Ferrari World Yas Island, and Yas Water World. As a Category Manager, you will report to a Senior Retail Buyer and be accountable for the end‑to‑end development and execution of assigned product categories across our expanding estate. Your leadership will ensure competitive retail offerings while collaborating with cross‑functional teams—including Merchandise Planning, Testing & Compliance, and shared services—to deliver profitable, customer‑centric solutions. With a balance of analytical rigor and creative strategy, you will shape the future of retail experiences in the GCC’s thriving entertainment sector.

Responsibilities

Product Development

• Own and develop category strategies, negotiate with suppliers/vendors, and evaluate pricing, quality, and sourcing options for optimal product performance.
• Collaborate with Merchandise Planning to align buy plans and intake timelines for new/renewal products across all business units.
• Ensure strict compliance with UAE regulations by working closely with Testing and Compliance on robust audit and product verification processes.
• Maintain product taxonomy and reporting structures to enhance categorization and analytics capabilities.
• Drive new item creation, pricing standards, and PO processing while ensuring alignment with vendor management protocols.

Team

• Foster a collaborative culture by proactively partnering with internal and external stakeholders to drive category success and support day‑to‑day operational tasks.

Financial

• Partner with Merchandise Planning to safeguard category budgets, monitor COGS, freight costs, and GP margins, and report performance across business units.
• Analyze stock/sales trends to inform inventory decisions, reduce slow‑moving stock, and optimize terminal clearance strategies.

Strategic

• Lead market trend analysis and identify innovative sourcing opportunities to maintain category competitiveness.
• Align with internal teams to develop events, activations, and Annual Pass initiatives that drive engagement and revenue growth.
• Collaborate with leadership to set category growth KPIs and ensure strategic objectives are achieved.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and sustain strong relationships with IP holders, partners, and external vendors to deliver aligned product offerings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal/external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and follow‑through on critical initiatives.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
• 7+ years in retail buying and product development, with preference for theme park/attraction industry experience.
• Proven decision‑making and problem‑solving capabilities in fast‑paced environments.
• End‑to‑end product development experience, including vendor management and data‑driven analysis.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with strong communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, POS systems, retail inventory, and finance software.
• Knowledge of departmental budgeting, P&L management, and open‑to‑buy strategies.
• Adaptability to thrive in dynamic environments with evolving priorities.
• Strong multitasking abilities to manage multiple deadlines in high‑pressure settings.
• Leadership skills with a proactive and collaborative mindset.

Desirable

• 10+ years in retail buying and product development, with expertise in GCC brands and license/IP management.
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English.
• Experience developing retail products for theme parks or high‑volume entertainment venues.

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.