Senior Manager – Softline Category (Toys, Lifestyle, Sports)

Job Title: Senior Manager – Softline Category (Toys, Lifestyle, Sports)

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia & Dubai, UAE

Job Summary

The Senior Manager – Softline Category is responsible for leading the strategic planning, commercial performance, and end-to-end category management of Toys, Lifestyle, and Sports across the region. This role drives revenue growth, margin optimization, assortment strategy, supplier partnerships, and market expansion while ensuring alignment with brand positioning and customer expectations in both KSA and UAE markets.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute long-term category strategies for Toys, Lifestyle, and Sports aligned with business objectives.
• Define assortment architecture, pricing strategies, and promotional calendars tailored to regional market trends.
• Analyze market, customer, and competitor insights to identify growth opportunities.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Own category P&L, including sales, margin, inventory turns, and markdown management.
• Drive topline growth while improving profitability through effective cost negotiation and pricing strategies.
• Monitor KPIs and prepare performance reviews and forecasts for senior leadership.

Buying & Assortment Management

• Lead seasonal and core assortment planning across channels (stores and online).
• Ensure optimal product mix, depth, and localization for Jeddah and Dubai markets.
• Oversee product lifecycle from selection to end-of-life management.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Build and manage strong relationships with global and regional suppliers and licensors.
• Lead commercial negotiations, contracts, and exclusivity agreements.
• Identify and onboard new brands and concepts aligned with category vision.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with merchandising, supply chain, marketing, e-commerce, and operations teams.
• Support go-to-market plans, launches, and promotional campaigns.
• Work with supply chain teams to ensure optimal availability and inventory flow.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop category managers and buyers.
• Foster a high-performance, data-driven, and customer-centric team culture.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• 8–12+ years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within retail or FMCG.
• Strong experience managing softline categories such as Toys, Lifestyle, or Sports.
• Proven track record of managing large assortments and P&L ownership.
• Experience in Middle East markets (KSA & UAE preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution capability
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical mindset
• Leadership and stakeholder management across regions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-market environment