Senior Category Manager

Floward; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online flowers and gifting company in Dubai seeks a Senior Category Manager to drive category strategy and manage supplier relationships. This role demands strong leadership, financial acumen, and experience in GCC markets. Ideal candidates should have over 8 years in category management or merchandising. Join a company known for its premium products and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in category management, buying, or merchandising preferably in premium, luxury, or occasion-driven businesses.
• Proven track record in managing category P&L and supplier negotiations.
• Experience in GCC markets and strong awareness of local customer behavior.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category plans aligned with local market dynamics.
• Lead the design and execution of a balanced product portfolio.
• Manage strategic relationships with suppliers ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Skills

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Financial acumen

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

Master’s preferred

Tools

ERP/category management tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Category Sr. Manager – [Country Scope]

Department: Category

Reporting To: Lead Category Management dotted to the Country Managing Director

Job Purpose

The Senior Category Manager leads Floward’s category management strategy within the assigned country, ensuring strong commercial performance, local market relevance, and customer satisfaction. This role oversees assortment planning, supplier partnerships, pricing, and promotional activities while aligning country execution with central category strategies. The position requires balancing profitability and growth with Floward’s premium brand identity and customer-centric approach.

The Senior Category Manager also plays a key role in leading a team, collaborating with central functions (procurement, supply chain, marketing, design, operations), and representing category needs at the country leadership level.

Key Responsibilities

1. Category Strategy & Market Leadership

• Develop and execute category plans tailored to local market dynamics while aligning with central category vision.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify customer needs, trends, and competitive opportunities.
• Translate insights into product assortment, pricing, and promotional initiatives.

2. Portfolio & Assortment Management

• Lead the design and execution of a well-balanced product portfolio, ensuring premium positioning and market competitiveness.
• Regularly evaluate product performance and recommend additions, removals, or adjustments.
• Collaborate with online merchandising and design teams to optimize product presentation across digital and offline touchpoints.

3. Supplier & Partner Management

• Build and manage strategic relationships with local and international suppliers, securing favorable commercial terms and service levels.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supply agreements to maximize profitability.
• Ensure supplier compliance with Floward’s quality and service standards.

4. Financial & Commercial Planning

• Own category P&L at the country level, ensuring revenue, margin, and profitability targets are met.
• Lead pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability.
• Oversee forecasting, demand planning, and stock management to reduce risk of shortages or overstock.

5. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Category Officers and Specialists within the country team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Ensure team alignment with both central category and country commercial objectives.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with marketing to deliver campaigns aligned with category objectives and local customer needs.
• Work closely with supply chain and operations to ensure smooth execution of assortment and promotions.
• Provide input to central category leadership on country performance, challenges, and opportunities.

7. Category Expansion & Innovation

• Identify and lead new category opportunities based on local market trends and customer insights.
• Work with central design and product development teams to introduce innovative offerings.
• Drive pilot initiatives for new product launches, measuring results and scaling successful concepts.

Qualifications & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred.

Experience:

• 8+ years in category management, buying, or merchandising (preferably in premium, luxury, or occasion-driven businesses).
• Proven track record in managing category P&L, supplier negotiations, and assortment planning.
• Experience in GCC markets and strong awareness of local customer behavior.
• Leadership experience in managing and developing teams.

Technical Skills:

• Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience in forecasting and P&L management.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; experience with ERP/category management tools.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with senior stakeholders

About Floward

Founded in 2017, Floward is an online flowers and gifting company; we pride ourselves in creating a seamless experience for our customers and making sending flowers and gifts as enjoyable as receiving them. We source our flowers daily from the best growers and farmers around the world to create one of a kind stunning arrangements and plants that fit every occasion. We also partner with local and international brands to offer a wide range of gifts including chocolate, perfumes,

cakes and more, coupled with our arrangements to create the perfect gift. Operating in 36 cities in nine countries across the MENA region and UK, we guarantee same- day delivery across the board our own refrigerated fleet to ensure our arrangements arrive fresh to the customer.

Website: https://www.floward.co