Category Manager - Sports

GMG; Dubai; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global well-being company is seeking a Category Manager in Dubai to lead category management, optimize inventory, and drive sales growth. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in category management, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in SAP ERP and Power BI. This role demands excellent leadership and communication skills while focusing on customer needs and product assortment strategies.

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in category management, with at least 5 years in sports or lifestyle retail.
• Proficiency in SAP ERP and Power BI with strong data analysis skills.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end category management including assortment planning.
• Conduct market research to shape category direction.
• Optimize inventory levels and supply chain flow.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership abilities

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain

Postgraduate degree

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 worlds 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 Sitas and McCain.

We are hiring Category Managers across our key categories including Performance Lifestyle and Seasonal Sports.

As Category Manager you will play a vital role in shaping product assortments driving sales growth and delivering an exceptional customer experience. Youll work closely with the buying and merchandising teams oversee inventory optimization and lead cross-functional initiatives to maximize performance in a fast-paced and dynamic retail environment.

What youll be doing:

• Lead end-to-end category management including assortment planning pricing and promotional strategy
• Conduct market research and analyze consumer competitor and sales data to shape category direction
• Collaborate with merchandising logistics and marketing to ensure successful product launches and seasonal planning
• Optimize inventory levels and supply chain flow using tools like SAP and Power BI
• Build strong relationships with suppliers negotiate contracts and ensure favorable pricing and delivery terms
• Track and report on category performance identifying improvement areas and driving actionable insights
• Lead and develop category-specific teams setting clear performance targets and fostering growth

What we need:

• Experience: 7 years in category management with at least 5 years in sports fashion or lifestyle retail
• Education: Bachelors degree in Business or Supply Chain; postgraduate degree is an advantage
• Systems: Proficiency in SAP ERP and Power BI with strong data analysis and inventory planning skills
• Skills: Excellent negotiation leadership and communication skills; strong commercial acumen
• Languages: Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage
• Mindset: Strategic data-driven customer-focused and agile