Category Manager - Private Label

Job Description

Who We Are:

Working across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG has introduced more than 120 brands across 12 countries. These include notable home-grown brands such as Sun & Sand Sports, Dropkick, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita's, and McCain.

Role Overview:

Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, Also, will leverage market insights, commercial acumen, and strong negotiation skills to optimize performance and maintain a competitive edge. This role is pivotal in shaping the private label offering and ensuring it aligns with the company's overall growth and brand objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, meet, assess, and engage suppliers to build strong, collaborative relationships.
• Motivate and manage suppliers to deliver on performance, quality, and innovation goals.
• Initiate and manage procurement activities and projects within the assigned category.
• Negotiate and define supplier contracts, ensuring favorable terms, compliance, and performance monitoring.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned by management as necessary to support business needs.

Key Skills & Experience:

• 10 years in private label. Including 5 years in leadership role. Proven experience in retail buying within FMCG is essential.
• Bachelor's degree in Business or any other related field. Master's degree is preferred
• Strong understanding of end-to-end 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 make 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