Category Manager - Sports

About the role

GMG is hiring a Category Manager for its Sports categories in Dubai, within the Buying and Merchandising department. The roleholder leads end-to-end category management, driving sales growth, profitability and market share while optimizing inventory and assortment. The position develops and executes category strategies so that product ranges, pricing and promotions match customer demand, brand positioning and business objectives, and leads and coaches the Buying and Merchandising teams.

Key responsibilities

• Own the category strategy, defining vision, positioning and commercial priorities
• Lead assortment planning and execution, including product selection, pricing, life-cycle management and inventory optimization across channels and store clusters
• Analyze markets and customers, including trends, competitors and consumer insights, to shape category plans
• Develop and oversee promotional and campaign plans to maximize sales, margin and stock health
• Monitor supplier performance, negotiate commercial terms and contracts and secure competitive pricing and service levels
• Use SAP, Power BI and category management systems to track performance and drive improvements
• Balance inventory levels against availability, stock productivity and working capital targets
• Partner with Logistics and Supply Chain on lead times, availability and supply chain risks
• Prepare category performance reviews and business cases for senior leadership, and collaborate with Marketing, Retail Operations and Finance on pricing, promotions and space
• Set objectives, KPIs and development plans for direct reports, coach the team and build talent pipelines

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain Management; postgraduate degree advantageous
• 7 years in category management and 5 years in sports retail
• Proven track record leading categories with significant sales and margin contribution
• Demonstrated supplier management, negotiation and contract management experience

Required skills

• SAP ERP and Power BI proficiency
• Category management tools and advanced inventory optimization
• Negotiation and strategic planning skills