Senior Manager - Category

Apparel Group; Bahrain; On-site; BHD 25,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Apparel Group in Bahrain seeks a Senior Manager Category to craft end-to-end category strategies across buying, pricing, assortment, and inventory planning, while leading a high-performing team of merchandisers and category managers. This role ensures alignment with business objectives and drives revenue and margin growth through strong vendor partnerships and data-driven decisions.

You will act as the primary interface with brand partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, guiding annual

Qualifications

• 12–15 years progressive experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within retail/fashion industries.
• Minimum 5 years in a managerial capacity leading cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement long-term category strategies aligned with commercial goals and consumer trends.
• Drive annual business planning for sales, margin, assortment, and promotional targets.
• Identify whitespace opportunities, assortment gaps, and initiatives to enhance customer value propositions.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure pricing, margins, and exclusive collections.
• Lead category buying lifecycle, ensuring timely product selections and range architecture.
• Establish demand forecasting, open-to-buy planning, and replenishment parameters.

Skills

Category management

P&L management

Vendor negotiations

Team leadership

Forecasting & inventory planning

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Retail Management/related field

MBA (preferred)

Job description

The Sr. Manager Category is responsible for formulating and executing end-to-end category strategies across buying, pricing, assortment, and inventory planning, while leading a high-performing team of merchandisers and category managers. The role ensures alignment with business objectives, drives revenue and margin growth, and serves as a key interface with brand partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibility:

Category Strategy & Business Planning

• Define and implement long‑term category strategies in line with overall commercial goals and consumer trends.
• Drive the annual business planning process for the category, including sales, margin, assortment, and promotional targets.
• Identify whitespace opportunities, assortment gaps, and initiatives to enhance customer value propositions.
• Conduct periodic SWOT analysis, competitor benchmarking, and market scans to guide decision-making.

Buying, Vendor & Brand Management

• Oversee the category buying lifecycle, ensuring timely product selections, order placements, and range architecture.
• Negotiate directly with key vendors and principals to secure optimal pricing, margins, and exclusive collections.
• Ensure adherence to sourcing, quality, compliance, and ethical standards across all vendor interactions.
• Act as the primary commercial interface for brand partners, facilitating alignment on merchandising and sales objectives.

Merchandising & Inventory Optimization

• Lead the merchandising function for the category, focusing on effective in‑store and online product presentation.
• Establish demand forecasting, open‑to‑buy planning, and replenishment parameters to balance stock health.
• Monitor category sell‑through, stock ageing, and markdown strategies to protect margin and reduce inventory risk.
• Coordinate closely with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely product availability and flow.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Track and analyze key category KPIs including sales, gross margin, contribution, stock turns, and GMROI.
• Develop actionable insights and dashboards to guide tactical decisions and executive reporting.
• Lead monthly and quarterly reviews with business heads and brand leadership to assess performance and course correct.

Team Development & Cross‑functional Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a team of Category Managers, Merchandisers, and Analysts, promoting a culture of accountability and growth.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Visual Merchandising to execute category plans effectively.
• Facilitate training, knowledge sharing, and succession planning to build bench strength within the category team.

Desired Experience:

• 12–15 years of progressive experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within the retail or fashion industry.
• Minimum 5 years in a managerial capacity, leading cross‑functional teams and delivering strategic business outcomes.
• Proven success in managing category P&L, assortment strategies, pricing decisions, and vendor partnerships.
• Strong expertise in inventory management, stock planning, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate with international and regional vendors, brand principals, and suppliers.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field; MBA preferred.