Category Manager - Sports Brand

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

Job summary

A leading global well-being company is seeking a Category Manager to oversee category management within its Sports division. This role involves driving sales growth, optimizing inventory, and ensuring product assortments align with customer demand. Ideal candidates will have experience in data analytics and strong negotiation skills, with a focus on achieving sales and profitability objectives. This full-time position is based in Dubai.

Qualifications

• Proficient in data analytics and inventory optimization.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities are required.
• Exceptional negotiation and strategic planning skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage category assortment planning and execution.
• Conduct market research to shape category strategies.
• Develop promotional plans for category profitability.
• Oversee buying and merchandising teams.
• Monitor supplier performance and negotiate contracts.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels and manage product flow.

Skills

Data analytics tools

Inventory optimization

Leadership and mentoring

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Job description

Overview

GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing and manufacturing a portfolio of 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, Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita's, and McCain.

Role Summary

The incumbent will oversee category management within GMG's Sports Common division, driving sales growth, optimizing inventory, and ensuring product assortments align with customer demand and business objectives. Reporting to the Head of Category / Brand, the incumbent will develop and implement strategies to enhance category performance and maintain GMG's leadership position in the sports retail industry.

Responsibilities

• The incumbent will manage all aspects of category assortment planning and execution, including product selection, pricing, and inventory optimization.
• Conduct in-depth market research to evaluate customer trends, competitor activity, and sales data to contribute to the shaping of category strategies.
• The incumbent will develop promotional plans to maximize category profitability and align with seasonal opportunities.
• Oversee the buying and merchandising teams to ensure product assortments meet customer expectations and align with GMG's strategic goals.
• The incumbent will monitor supplier performance, negotiate contracts, and secure the best pricing and delivery terms.
• Leverage tools such as SAP and Power BI to assess category performance, identify improvement areas, and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels by balancing product availability with cost efficiency.
• Partner with the logistics team to ensure seamless product flow and proactively resolve supply chain challenges.
• Prepare and present comprehensive category performance reports, offering insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

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

• Proficient in data analytics tools.
• Expert in inventory optimization.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Exceptional negotiation and strategic planning.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.

Internal / External Interactions

• Coordination with marketing teams.
• Engagement with supply chain teams.
• Liaison with merchandising department
• Interaction with finance for budgeting.
• Negotiation with suppliers and vendors.
• Coordination with logistics providers.
• Liaison with market research agencies.
• Engagement with promotional partners.
• Collaboration with quality assurance teams.

Locations: Dubai Division Sports Contract Type: Full-time