Category Manager - Private Label

About the Position

GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing, and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties, and logistics sectors. We are currently seeking a Category Manager - Private Label to lead the development and execution of category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and product innovation. This role is pivotal in shaping the private label offering and ensuring it aligns with the company’s overall growth and brand objectives.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Management:

  • Identify, meet, assess, and engage suppliers to build strong, collaborative relationships.
  • Motivate and manage suppliers to deliver on performance, quality, and innovation goals.

• Procurement & Contracting:

  • Initiate and manage procurement activities and projects within the assigned category.
  • Negotiate and define supplier contracts, ensuring favorable terms, compliance, and performance monitoring.

• Strategic Category Management:

  • Own and actively manage the category by driving innovation, quality, and commercial success.
  • Develop and implement category plans that support growth and profitability objectives.
  • Set and track supplier goals and KPIs to ensure alignment with company expectations.

• Performance & Forecasting:

  • Produce accurate business forecasts, plans, and recommendations based on key performance drivers.
  • Monitor product performance and market dynamics, recommending corrective actions where needed.
  • Prepare and deliver insightful presentations for internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Market & Data Insights:

  • Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive positioning.
  • Utilize data to inform decisions on assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
  • Continuously assess and integrate additional information sources to strengthen decision-making.

• People Management:

  • Set clear objectives and performance targets in collaboration with team members, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals.
  • Mentor, guide, and provide direction to the team to cultivate skill development, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.
  • Apply structured performance management practices to monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and drive the team towards achieving periodic KPIs.

Requirements

• Core Skills:

  • Strong understanding of category management (assortment planning, pricing, promotion, and lifecycle management).
  • Private Label Development (product sourcing, supplier collaboration, and private label product development from concept to shelf).
  • Procurement and Negotiation Skills (supplier selection, contract negotiation, and cost management).
  • Commercial and Financial Acumen (P&L statements, budgets, margins, and making data-driven commercial decisions).
  • Analyzing market trends, competitor activity, and customer behavior.
  • Project & Stakeholder Management and Time Management.
  • Data analysis, reporting, and forecasting.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with ERP systems and category management tools.
  • Supplier Relationship Management.
  • Communication Skills, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Leadership, and People Management.

• Experience:

  • 10 years in private label, including 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven experience in retail buying within FMCG is essential.

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Full-time employment
• Opportunity to work in the dynamic and growing market of Dubai

About the Company

GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing, and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties, and logistics sectors. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family for over 45 years, GMG is a valued partner of choice for the world's most successful and respected brands in the well-being sector. Working across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG has introduced more than 120 brands across 12 countries.