Category Manager - Call it Spring

Apparel FZCO; Dubai; On-site; AED 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent retail company in Dubai is looking for a skilled Category Manager to oversee end-to-end management of product categories. The role involves strategizing, analyzing market trends, managing inventory, and collaborating with suppliers to optimize product availability and profitability. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in category management and a strong background in data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising.
• Proven ability to analyze data and drive category performance.
• Experience in leading cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage stock levels, demand planning, and replenishment strategies.
• Oversee the merchandising team and ensure effective product placement.

Skills

Assortment planning

Vendor management

Inventory control

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, or a related field

Job description

This position is responsible for end-to-end management of product categories under the Push/Pull model, ensuring the right product mix, pricing, and stock availability to drive sales and profitability. The role plays a critical part in overseeing merchandising operations and acts as a key liaison in supporting or replacing buyers when required.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Category Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitive insights to support data-driven decision-making.
• Identify growth opportunities through new product introductions and optimization of existing assortments.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Desired Experience:

• 6-8 years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within the retail industry.
• Strong skills in assortment planning, vendor management, and inventory control.
• Proven ability to analyze data and drive category performance.
• Experience in leading cross-functional collaboration across supply chain, marketing, and operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, or a related field

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Carleen Castaneda - Manager - Human Capital - Human Capital