Category Manager

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

Job summary

A leading sports retail company in Dubai is seeking an experienced Category Manager for their Sports Common Division. The role focuses on driving sales growth, optimizing inventory, and shaping strategies. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in Category Management, particularly in Sports Retail, and be proficient in SAP and Power BI. The company offers a competitive compensation package and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Category Management, with at least 5 years in Sports Retail.
• Strong expertise in inventory optimization and supplier negotiations.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead category management strategies.
• Conduct market research for informed decision-making.
• Develop promotional plans to maximize profitability.
• Oversee buying and merchandising teams.
• Monitor supplier performance and negotiate contracts.
• Utilize SAP and Power BI for category performance analysis.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Collaborate with logistics for seamless product flow.
• Prepare performance reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Category Management

Inventory Optimization

Supplier Negotiations

Market Research

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Postgraduate degree (advantage)

Tools

SAP ERP

Power BI

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, and Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita's, and McCain.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to join our Sports Common Division. Reporting to the Head of Category/Brand, the incumbent will play a key role in driving sales growth, optimizing inventory, and shaping category strategies to strengthen GMG’s leadership in the sports retail industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead category management by developing and executing strategies that align with customer demand and business objectives.
• Conduct market research to evaluate customer trends, competitor activity, and sales data for informed decision-making.
• Develop and implement promotional plans to maximize category profitability, leveraging seasonal opportunities.
• Oversee buying and merchandising teams to ensure product assortments meet customer expectations.
• Monitor supplier performance, negotiate contracts, and secure optimal pricing and delivery terms.
• Utilize tools such as SAP and Power BI to analyze category performance, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels by balancing product availability with cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with the logistics team to ensure seamless product flow and resolve supply chain challenges.
• Prepare and present detailed category performance reports with actionable insights to senior leadership.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Postgraduate degree is an advantage).
• 7+ years of experience in Category Management, with at least 5 years in Sports Retail.
• Proficiency in SAP ERP, Power BI, and category management tools.
• Strong expertise in inventory optimization and supplier negotiations.
• Proven leadership and team mentoring abilities.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work with a market leader in sports retail.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.