Category Manager - MENA Region

About the role

MBRF, a global food company, is looking for a Category Manager for the Processed Food categories across the MENA region. The role is accountable for defining the category vision and delivering sustainable, profitable growth, combining strategic leadership, business and consumer understanding, end-to-end innovation management and disciplined execution. It works across regional and local teams and supports the development of the category team.

Key responsibilities

• Define the category vision and strategy, turning business ambitions into growth priorities, portfolio choices, financial targets and regional action plans.
• Own category performance and P&L management, linking volume, revenue, market share, pricing, mix, margin, distribution, inventory and trade investment to find risks, root causes and value-creation opportunities.
• Build a fact-based understanding of consumers, shoppers, competitors and market dynamics, and turn insights into opportunities across segments, channels, occasions, price tiers and pack formats.
• Shape and optimize the portfolio architecture, including assortment, distribution priorities, renovation and rationalization.
• Lead innovation projects end to end, from idea and concept through business case approval, product and packaging development, supply readiness, commercialization, launch and post-launch review.
• Mobilize Marketing, R&D, Trade Marketing, Commercial, Finance, Supply, Procurement, Quality and others around aligned plans and milestones.
• Influence senior stakeholders with clear recommendations and robust analysis, and contribute to the development of the category team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Marketing or a related field; an MBA or Master's is preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive FMCG experience, including ownership of a category, portfolio or business agenda.
• Previous experience in Category Management, Marketing, Business Planning or Commercial functions.
• Proven track record of managing category performance, business growth initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Fluent English; Arabic is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Required skills

• FMCG category management, innovation and commercial decision-making.
• P&L management and market intelligence analysis.
• Leadership, stakeholder management, project management and execution.

What we offer

• A global, collaborative and dynamic working environment.
• Vertical, horizontal and cross-functional growth opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.