Category Manager | Retail | Watsons Kuwait

Robinson & Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Kuwait; On-site; KWD 15,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Category Buyer in Kuwait to develop and implement effective category plans to maximize sales. The role involves managing inventory levels, vendor relationships, and pricing strategies. Candidates should have a strong background in retail buying and category management, with a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience as a buyer in retail.
• At least 2 years in category management.
• Knowledge of the Kuwait market.

Responsibilities

• Manage category plans including promotions and pricing strategies.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships.
• Monitor category performance and take corrective actions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Negotiation skills

Decisiveness

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

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Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions: automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. The organization’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enable it to grow and adapt to changing customer needs within the societies in which it operates.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers daily.

Overview of the role

The role involves supporting the Head of Commercial in developing Kuwait’s product offerings to maximize sales and gross margin, while managing inventory objectives for specific brands. The aim is to develop strategic objectives for long-term growth across the market.

What you will do

• Develop, implement, and deliver category plans including range reviews, promotions, pricing, and stock management aligned with overall commercial strategy and financial goals.
• Build category strategy and assortment plans based on market trends, customer needs, and trade partnerships to maximize sales and profits.
• Establish strong relationships with current and new vendors, securing support and investment from top vendors.
• Set and maintain margin and pricing policies, with optimal promotion strategies to drive sales and margins.
• Monitor daily category performance at brand and item levels, taking immediate action on sales, margin, and sell-through gaps.
• Plan and coordinate promotions, including off-shelf displays, new product launches, and promotional forecasts.
• Collaborate with eCommerce and marketing teams on online and CRM offers.
• Support store expansion initiatives, ensuring optimal in-store exposure for the cosmetics category.
• Regularly review range, space productivity, and planograms with the planning team, addressing range gaps and managing slow-moving stock.
• Maintain healthy stock levels by monitoring out-of-stock and overstock issues, and managing clearance or returns as needed.
• Work with marketing to develop relevant promotional strategies that comply with legislation and brand guidelines, enhancing customer engagement and sales.
• Evaluate promotion effectiveness and share best practices with stakeholders.
• Develop exclusive products/ranges with brands to increase participation and meet strategic goals.
• Coordinate with the planning team on merchandising strategies to ensure product availability and manage slow-moving stock.
• Identify and develop new product opportunities that are competitively priced and meet customer needs.
• Manage pricing strategies to ensure competitiveness and profitability, operating within company guidelines.
• Ensure sales forecasts are met while maintaining store availability.
• Develop internal and external relationships to support category objectives and enhance the Watsons proposition.
• Employ negotiation strategies to secure the best terms for the category and business.
• Continuously develop knowledge in category products, competitors, and market activity to improve performance.

Required skills to be successful

Job-specific skills include strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, negotiation skills, decisiveness, excellent communication, organizational skills, delegation, time management, and the ability to work under pressure. Candidates should use sound judgment, act with integrity, adapt to changes, handle multiple tasks, and work effectively within a team. Travel ability is also required.

What equips you for the role

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Experience requirements include at least 5 years as a buyer in retail, 2 years in category management, and knowledge of the Kuwait market.

We aim to provide excellent service, and a well-crafted, personalized CV can help you stand out. Our Talent Acquisition team is dedicated to matching talent with opportunities, considering both skills and values such as respect, integrity, collaboration, and excellence.

We are committed to transparency throughout the application process and will review all applications carefully.