Category Manager - Private Label (FMCG)

GMG; Dubai; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

GMG in Dubai seeks a Senior Category Manager for Private Label to lead category strategies, drive growth, and oversee a portfolio of private label products. You will source and manage suppliers, negotiate contracts, develop category plans, forecast performance, and deliver data-driven recommendations to elevate quality and profitability.

Lead cross-functional teams, align with brand objectives, and implement plans that maximize market share and margin while maintaining product integrity and

Qualifications

• 10 years in private label, including 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in retail buying within FMCG is essential.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with ability to make data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Identify, meet, assess, and engage suppliers to build strong, collaborative relationships.
• Motivate and manage suppliers to deliver on performance, quality, and innovation goals.
• Initiate and manage procurement activities and projects within the assigned category.
• Negotiate and define supplier contracts, ensuring favourable terms, compliance, and performance monitoring.
• Own and actively manage the category by driving innovation, quality, and commercial success.
• Develop and implement category plans that support growth and profitability objectives.
• Set and track supplier goals and KPIs to ensure alignment with company expectations.
• Produce accurate business forecasts, plans, and recommendations based on key performance drivers.
• Monitor product performance and market dynamics, recommending corrective actions where needed.
• Prepare and deliver insightful presentations for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive positioning.
• Utilize data to inform decisions on assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Continuously assess and integrate additional information sources to strengthen decision-making.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Leadership

Forecasting

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

P&L management

Team development

Business acumen

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Category management tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Role Summary:

The incumbent will lead the development and execution of category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and product innovation. He will be responsible for sourcing and managing a portfolio of private label products that deliver outstanding quality and value to our customers. Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, Also, will leverage market insights, commercial acumen, and strong negotiation skills to optimize performance and maintain a competitive edge. This role is pivotal in shaping the private label offering and ensuring it aligns with the company’s overall growth and brand objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, meet, assess, and engage suppliers to build strong, collaborative relationships.
• Motivate and manage suppliers to deliver on performance, quality, and innovation goals.

2) Procurement & Contracting:

• Initiate and manage procurement activities and projects within the assigned category.
• Negotiate and define supplier contracts, ensuring favourable terms, compliance, and performance monitoring.

3) Strategic Category Management:

• Own and actively manage the category by driving innovation, quality, and commercial success.
• Develop and implement category plans that support growth and profitability objectives.
• Set and track supplier goals and KPIs to ensure alignment with company expectations.

4) Performance & Forecasting:

• Produce accurate business forecasts, plans, and recommendations based on key performance drivers.
• Monitor product performance and market dynamics, recommending corrective actions where needed.
• Prepare and deliver insightful presentations for internal stakeholders and external partners.

5) Market & Data Insights:

• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive positioning.
• Utilize data to inform decisions on assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Continuously assess and integrate additional information sources to strengthen decision-making.
• Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned by management as necessary to support business needs.

People Management:

The incumbent is responsible for setting clear objectives and performance targets in collaboration with team members, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals. This role involves actively mentoring, guiding, and providing direction to the team to cultivate skill development, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. The incumbent applies structured performance management practices to monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and drive the team towards achieving periodic KPIs. Through strategic oversight and regular feedback, the incumbent fosters a results-oriented environment, empowering the team to meet and exceed established benchmarks while supporting both individual and collective growth.

Functional / Technical Competencies:

Strong understanding category management (assortment planning, pricing, promotion, and lifecycle management).

• Private Label Development (product sourcing, supplier collaboration, and private label product development from concept to shelf).
• Procurement and Negotiation Skills (supplier selection, contract negotiation, and cost management).
• Commercial and Financial Acumen (P&L statements, budgets, margins, and make data-driven commercial decisions).
• Analysing market trends, competitor activity, and customer behaviour.
• Project & Stakeholder Management and Time Management.
• Data analysis, reporting, and forecasting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with ERP systems and category management tools.
• Communication Skills, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Leadership, and People Management

Experience :

10 years in private label. Including 5 years in leadership role. Proven experience in retail buying within FMCG is essential.