Category Manager

GMG; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global well-being company in Dubai is seeking a Category Manager for Farm Fresh to drive business growth and maximize profits. You will develop and implement category strategies, manage relationships with clients, and analyze market trends. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, data analysis, and negotiation skills. This role requires a deep understanding of the FMCG landscape, particularly in the food sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG industry, preferably in food business management.
• Ability to develop and implement effective category strategies.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor sales data and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Manage overall business of the assigned category within Farm Fresh.
• Build and sustain relationships with key clients.
• Conduct regular market analyses and adjust strategies accordingly.

Skills

Teamwork and Collaboration

Leadership and Motivation

Data Analysis and Analytical interpretation skills

Business Planning and Forecasting

Communication and Negotiation Skills

Ms Office proficiency

Job description

Who We Are:

GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties and logistics sectors. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family for over 45 years, GMG is a valued partner of choice for the world's most successful and respected brands in the well-being sector. Working across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG has introduced more than 120 brands across 12 countries. These include notable home-grown brands such as Sun & Sand Sports, Dropkick, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita's, and McCain.

Role Overview:

The role holder is responsible for the overall business management of the assigned Category within Farm Fresh and will ensure the development, implementation and management of category business plans to drive revenue growth and maximize profits. The incumbent works with the general manager in developing and executing efficient category strategies and go to market plans to ensure effective brands penetration and development. He develops the annual business plans and defines the strategic priorities of the category. The role requires a deep understanding of the Food Business and the distribution landscape within the FMCG industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain strong relations with key personnel and decision makers.
• Build, sustain and manage relationships with decision makers of company clienteles, and ensure customers satisfaction by achieving distribution and quality norms and by meeting optimized service level.
• Develops short term and long-term plans for the assigned brand and provides input to management any aspects related to brand planning and development.
• Conducts regular visits to the stores to obtain information on sales and product results and any other data which may impact the business, and provides corrective actions whenever required
• Ensures implementation of brand standards across all functions such as retail operations, customer service, product specifics, visual merchandising, etc.
• Monitors and analyses sales and commercial information to enhance sales potential and determine buying strategies and requirements for the brand.
• Coordinate demand planning through accurate forecasting, maintain inventory control, and manage stocks level in order to minimize losses, markdowns, and improper stock-hold to improve Stock Turns.
• Conduct regular meetings with the sales functions to discuss and share insights, set action plans, take corrective measures, and ensure that all the sales activities are applied as per the brand’s guidelines.
• Define SMART KPIs to help commercial team maximize their potential being responsible for their personal development, elevate performance and productivity, and ensure targets and objective achievements.
• Conduct competitor analysis by keeping abreast of market trends and competitor moves to achieve market share metrics. Continuously analyze market insights, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for category expansion and optimization.
• Conduct market research and acquires market intelligence through various sources and monitors category and industry trends to drive brand presence enhancement and effective decision-making.

Skills & Experience

• Defines performance goals at the start of the year in discussion with the General Manager and ensures that the goals are achieved during the course of the year
• Takes ownership of his/her own learning agenda by identifying development needs in consultation with the GM and agreeing on the individual development plan which goes beyond training and development
• Keeps abreast of professional developments, new techniques and current issues through continued education and professional growth.
• Principal Relationships Management
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Leadership and Motivation
• Data Analysis and Analytical interpretation skills
• Business Planning and Forecasting
• Category and Channel Management
• Stock Management and Demand Planning
• Sales Operations and Inventory Control
• Setting Category Targets and Objectives
• Communication and Negotiation Skills
• Ms Office proficiency