Senior Category Development Manager

About the role

Arla Foods is seeking a senior commercial marketer to lead the growth of its Cooking portfolio in the United Arab Emirates. You will shape the strategic direction of cooking cheese, creams and butter, turning market insights into profitable commercial actions.

Key responsibilities

• Define the category vision and growth agenda for the Cooking portfolio across UAE channels and shopper segments.
• Identify and prioritize growth opportunities using consumer, shopper, customer and market insights.
• Lead the annual category planning process, aligning regional portfolio strategies with local market priorities.
• Develop and execute channel, assortment, pricing, promotion and activation strategies in partnership with Sales, Customer Growth and NRM.
• Own the innovation and new‑product development pipeline from opportunity identification to market launch.

Required profile

• Proven experience in category development, commercial marketing or brand management within the food or dairy sector.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable commercial priorities.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing senior leaders.
• Track record of delivering profitable growth and market‑share gains.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a high‑impact portfolio in a dynamic Middle‑East market.
• Collaboration with cross‑functional teams across sales, finance and innovation.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.