Assistant Category Manager

One of our clients, a global retail company, is looking to hire an Assistant Category Manager for their Dubai office.

As an Assistant Category Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the Category Manager in the day-to-day operations of managing a specific product category within the organization. The role involves assisting with product selection, pricing, promotional strategies, inventory management, and supplier relations. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, procurement, and logistics to optimize category performance and drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Management Support:

• Assist the Category Manager in the development and execution of category strategies to drive sales, profit, and market share growth.
• Help manage the product assortment, ensuring the category is well-rounded and aligns with customer needs and trends.
• Monitor and analyze category performance metrics (sales, margin, stock levels) to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Help execute pricing strategies to ensure competitive positioning in the market.

Supplier and Vendor Relations:

• Assist in maintaining relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
• Work with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and promotions.
• Monitor vendor performance, ensuring that product availability and delivery schedules are met.

Inventory & Demand Planning:

• Assist in managing inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability while avoiding overstocking or stockouts.
• Collaborate with the supply chain team to forecast demand and adjust ordering strategies accordingly.

Promotions & Marketing Support:

• Assist in the planning and execution of promotional activities for the category, including pricing campaigns, discounts, and seasonal offers.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop category-specific marketing initiatives to boost visibility and sales.
• Help manage the promotional calendar and ensure the execution of category plans.

Market and Competitor Analysis:

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends, customer preferences, and competitive threats.
• Support the Category Manager in tracking competitor activities, pricing strategies, and new product launches.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Assist in preparing regular performance reports, including sales analysis, inventory reports, and promotional effectiveness.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve category performance based on data analysis.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with the merchandising, logistics, marketing, and sales teams to ensure seamless execution of category strategies.
• Act as a liaison between different departments to ensure that category initiatives are aligned with broader organizational goals.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field.

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in category management (preferably in FMCG industry).

Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in MS Excel; knowledge of category management software and data analysis tools is a plus.
• Understanding of inventory management principles and demand planning processes.
• Basic understanding of pricing strategies and product lifecycle management.