Private Label Category Manager - Retail Buying - GMG - Dubai, UAE

GMG Gulf; Dubai; On-site; AED 245,520 - 357,120; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth within a diversified organization

Strategic role exposure in Dubai

Work with international suppliers

Job summary

GMG Gulf in Dubai is seeking a Private Label Category Manager to lead the development and execution of private label strategies that enhance sales growth and profitability. The role focuses on supplier partnerships, team leadership, and product innovation across retail operations.

Ideal candidates will have extensive FMCG experience in retail buying and category management, strong negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage high-performing teams. This strategic position offers significant career growth opportunities within a global retail group.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in private label development and retail buying within FMCG.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with P and L ownership exposure.
• Proven leadership capability managing and developing high‑performing teams.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitive dynamics.
• Confident communicator with strong decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute private label category strategies to achieve sales, margin, and growth targets.
• Identify, evaluate, and engage suppliers to build strong and collaborative partnerships.
• Lead procurement activities, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
• Define and manage supplier contracts, performance standards, and compliance requirements.
• Drive product innovation, quality improvement, and lifecycle management.

Skills

Category management and assortment planning

Private label product development

Supplier sourcing and contract negotiation

Commercial planning, budgeting, and forecasting

Market and data analysis

ERP systems and category management tools

Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint

Stakeholder and project management

Job description

Position Overview

Private Label Category Manager at GMG leads the development and execution of private label category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and product innovation across retail operations in Dubai. This role focuses on sourcing, supplier partnerships, commercial performance, and team leadership to build competitive, high-quality private label assortments aligned with GMG's growth and brand objectives.

Job Details

Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Retail
Function: Merchandise Planning and Buying
Salary: 22000-32000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time

Role Summary

The Private Label Category Manager is responsible for owning and managing assigned private label categories from concept to shelf. The role combines strategic category management, supplier negotiation, forecasting, and people leadership to deliver strong commercial results while ensuring quality, innovation, and value for customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute private label category strategies to achieve sales, margin, and growth targets
• Identify, evaluate, and engage suppliers to build strong and collaborative partnerships
• Lead procurement activities, supplier selection, and contract negotiations
• Define and manage supplier contracts, performance standards, and compliance requirements
• Drive product innovation, quality improvement, and lifecycle management within assigned categories
• Set, monitor, and track supplier KPIs to ensure alignment with commercial and operational goals
• Produce accurate forecasts, category plans, and performance recommendations
• Monitor product performance, market dynamics, and competitive activity, taking corrective actions where required
• Prepare and present business updates, insights, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and partners
• Conduct market and data analysis to inform assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies
• Integrate multiple data sources to strengthen decision-making and category performance
• Support additional category or business initiatives as assigned by management

People Management

• Set clear objectives and performance targets for team members aligned with organizational goals
• Mentor, coach, and guide team members to support skill development and operational excellence
• Apply structured performance management practices to monitor progress and address gaps
• Foster a results‑driven culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Ideal Profile

• Extensive experience in private label development and retail buying within FMCG
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with P and L ownership exposure
• Proven leadership capability managing and developing high‑performing teams
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills
• Ability to analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitive dynamics
• Confident communicator with strong decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities

Skills Set

• Category management and assortment planning
• Private label product development
• Supplier sourcing and contract negotiation
• Commercial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
• Market and data analysis
• ERP systems and category management tools
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Stakeholder and project management

Why Join Us

• Lead high‑impact private label categories within a global retail group
• Influence product innovation and commercial strategy across FMCG retail
• Work with international and regional suppliers
• Career growth within a diversified and expanding organization
• Strategic role based in Dubai with regional business exposure