Senior Category Manager – Theme Park Merchandise & IP

European Association of Zoos and Aquaria; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Miral Experiences is seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead merchandise strategies across its Abu Dhabi attractions portfolio. The role focuses on end-to-end product development, IP/licensing coordination, and strong supplier partnerships to drive growth and profitability.

The successful candidate will manage budgets, buy plans, and category performance while collaborating with planning and merchandising teams to deliver compelling, compliant offerings across our world-class

Qualifications

• 8–10 years in retail buying and product development.
• Experience managing multiple merchandise categories.
• Strong budgeting, gross profit targets, and open-to-buy experience.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Leadership and people management experience.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive development of assigned merchandise categories.
• Lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch.
• Manage IP design submissions, sample approvals, and licensing processes.
• Build relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Coordinate with planning teams on buy plans and intake schedules.
• Ensure products meet UAE regulatory, testing, compliance, and audit requirements.
• Monitor category performance through reporting and reviews.
• Collaborate on pricing, visual merchandising, and PO management.
• Manage category budgets, open-to-buy and gross profit targets.
• Identify growth opportunities via sales and inventory analysis.

Skills

Retail buying

Product development

Supplier management

Budget management

Analytical mindset

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Excel proficiency

Organization skills

English communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Retail systems

Job description

Miral Experiences is seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead merchandise strategies across its Abu Dhabi attractions portfolio. The role focuses on end-to-end product development, IP/licensing coordination, and strong supplier partnerships to drive growth and profitability.

The successful candidate will manage budgets, buy plans, and category performance while collaborating with planning and merchandising teams to deliver compelling, compliant offerings across our world-class