Category Manager

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement body in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a professional to develop and execute category strategies, manage vendor relationships, and lead a team of merchandisers. The role involves optimizing costs, analyzing market trends, and ensuring effective product management. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in category planning and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business goals.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities.
• Optimize costs and terms in vendor negotiations.
• Manage stock levels and coordinate with supply chain teams.
• Track category performance and generate reports for optimization.
• Lead and train a team of merchandisers.

Job description

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Category Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business goals.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to make data-driven decisions.
• Identify new product opportunities and improve existing assortments.

2. Buying & Vendor Management:

• In cases requiring deeper involvement, participate in vendor negotiations and factory interactions.
• Work closely with suppliers to optimize costs, terms, and product availability.
• Ensure supplier relationships align with quality, compliance, and ethical sourcing standards.

3. Merchandising & Inventory Management:

• Oversee the merchandising team to ensure effective product placement, visual merchandising, and stock rotation.
• Manage stock levels, demand planning, and replenishment strategies to reduce stock-outs and overstocking.
• Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams for timely product availability.

4. Sales & Performance Analysis:

• Track category performance using key metrics such as sales, margins, stock turns, and profitability.
• Generate reports and insights to optimize category performance.
• Adjust pricing, promotions, and assortment strategies based on sales performance and market feedback.

5. Team Leadership & Coordination:

• Lead a team of merchandisers, ensuring alignment with category goals.
• Provide training and development to enhance team capabilities in merchandising and buying functions.

Work cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and finance to drive category success.