Category Manager

Job Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for managing and developing assigned product categories to achieve sales, margin, and growth targets. This role involves category strategy development, supplier management, pricing, promotions, and cross-functional coordination to ensure optimal category performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and product lifecycle.
• Analyze sales, margin, market trends, and customer behavior to drive performance.
• Identify growth opportunities, new products, and category expansion initiatives.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers and vendors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Work closely with marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations teams.
• Ensure availability, stock optimization, and demand forecasting accuracy.
• Monitor competitor activities and market trends.
• Prepare regular reports on category performance and KPIs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Category sales growth
• Gross margin and profitability
• Stock availability and turnover
• Supplier performance
• Promotion effectiveness
• Market share growth

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising.
• Experience in retail, FMCG, or e-commerce is preferred.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen.
• Experience in the Saudi / GCC market.
• Knowledge of local consumer behavior.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in Excel and business intelligence tools.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Strategic thinking with strong execution capability.