My client is seeking an experienced Category Manager to oversee and drive the strategy for various product categories and brands across the region. Based in the UAE, the Category Manager will be responsible for defining and implementing the purchasing strategy, managing category performance, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. The role includes merchandising, promotional activities, pricing, and negotiations, with a strong focus on optimizing gross margins and driving growth.Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the category business plan in line with strategic objectives.
• Set and monitor category performance goals, ensuring alignment with overall strategy.
• Negotiate annual commercial agreements and manage advertising space commercialization with brands.
• Take ownership of gross margins and optimize category mix to drive growth.
• Benchmark category performance against competitors and market trends.
• Implement tools to enhance category performance.
• Manage the annual promotional calendar for brand launches and promotions.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Suppliers, Category Managers, and Logistics.
• Negotiate stock returns for discontinued and slow-moving products.
• Analyze market trends, competitors, and customer behaviors to inform category strategy.
• Build and maintain a competitive assortment, considering market and competition trends.
• Focus on both core and new categories/brands to create a comprehensive assortment.
• Collaborate with supply chain, marketing, sales operations, and e-commerce teams to drive omnichannel retailing and ensure assortment alignment.
• Maximize additional income through initiatives such as space selling (animation).
• Ensure successful execution of new launches, categories, brands, and initiatives.
• Address and resolve commercial escalations internally and externally.
• Manage assortment and lifecycle based on defined KPIs.
• Oversee store profitability and make decisions on listing and de-listing products.
• Develop, source, and implement new assortment concepts, trends, and brands.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking and manage supplier relationships and negotiations.
• Lead purchasing meetings and handle first-order responsibilities.
• Share responsibility with the supply chain for managing OTB and inventory.
• Negotiate COOP and JBP agreements.
• Build and negotiate activation plans for the category.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, E-Commerce, Finance, Logistics, and Retail Teams.
• Provide ongoing feedback and maintain open communication with the Retail Team.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years in a commercial role within the retail sector or in a leadership role within category management.
• Proven expertise in P&L management, demonstrating the ability to drive financial performance and operational efficiency.
• Experience in offline beauty retail category management is essential; online experience is a plus.
• Passion for and adaptability to color cosmetics market trends and brands.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and a proven track record in business development.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a skilled Category Manager to make a significant impact on the business by driving category performance and growth.

Antal International