Category Manager

Are you ready to be part of the largest retail store in the Middle East ABYAT, spanning an impressive 22,000 square meters and offering over 22,000 products, is your one-stop destination for all things home improvement and more. From elegant tiles and captivating wallpapers to state-of-the-art lighting solutions and stylish kitchen fixtures, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse array of top-quality products under one roof.

Established locally with a vision for excellence, ABYAT has been setting benchmarks since its inception in September 2005. With an unwavering focus on our customers, we've crafted an experience that revolves around their needs, from our meticulously designed store layouts to our unparalleled service offerings.

Expanding beyond our roots in Kuwait, ABYAT is now making waves in Saudi Arabia and setting our sights on Qatar and the UAE. As we continue to grow, we're seeking passionate individuals to join our dynamic team and contribute to our journey of success.

Position: Category Manager - Home Appliances

Type: Full-time

Job Overview:

The Home Appliances Category Manager oversees the development, sourcing, pricing, and overall performance of the tools and hardware category. This role involves managing supplier relationships, optimizing product assortments, and driving sales growth through effective product management. The Category Manager works closely with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, and supply chain to ensure the success of the category.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Category Strategy:
   Develop and implement category plans to meet sales, profit, and market share targets.
   Analyze market trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities to identify opportunities.
2. Product Assortment:
   Manage the product range, ensuring a balanced mix of core and innovative items.
   Evaluate new product opportunities and manage the product lifecycle, from introduction to discontinuation.
   Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, product availability, terms, and promotions.
   Build strong supplier relationships and manage performance metrics to ensure product quality and delivery timelines.
3. Pricing and Profitability:
   Develop and manage pricing strategies to achieve category profit margins.
   Monitor category performance, adjusting pricing and promotions based on sales data and competitor activity.
4. Inventory Management:
   Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure optimal inventory levels, avoiding both excess stock and shortages.
   Implement demand forecasting and inventory replenishment strategies.
5. Sales and Marketing Support:
   Work with sales teams to develop effective selling strategies for the category.
   Collaborate with marketing teams to create promotions, advertising, and in-store merchandising programs.
6. Analytics and Reporting:
   Monitor and analyze category performance through sales reports and KPIs.
   Provide regular reports on category performance, forecasts, and action plans.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

1. Minimum 5-10 years of experience in category management, product management, or merchandising within Home Appliances or a related industry.
2. Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field.
3. Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
4. Proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, and inventory management.
5. Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
6. Strong understanding of the tools and hardware market, including product trends, customer preferences.
7. Knowledge of supply chain processes, logistics, and inventory management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Sales growth for the category.
2. Gross margin and profitability.
3. Inventory turnover and stock availability.