Head of Category Development & Planning

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving category growth and customer satisfaction?

An exceptional opportunity awaits at one of Dubai's leading food FMCG/Consumer companies.

They are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Category Development & Planning to lead efforts in maximizing category performance and enhancing the shopping experience for customers.

As a trailblazer in the food FMCG industry, our client is dedicated to providing exceptional products and services to customers across various categories on a huge global scale.

With a commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and excellence, they are reshaping the FMCG landscape and setting new standards for success.

As the Head of Category Development & Planning, you will play a pivotal role in shaping category strategy, optimizing assortment plans, and driving category growth and profitability.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a talented team, collaborate cross-functionally, and shape the future of our retail offerings in alignment with customer needs and market trends.

Key Responsibilities: Category Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy aligned with business objectives, market trends, and customer preferences, to drive category growth and market share.

Assortment Planning: Lead the development of assortment plans for each category, collaborating closely with merchandising, sourcing, and inventory teams to optimize product selection, pricing, and placement.

Market Analysis: Conduct regular market research and analysis to identify category trends, competitive dynamics, and customer insights, and leverage findings to inform category strategies and initiatives.

Supplier Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and vendors, negotiating favorable terms, and collaborating on promotional activities, product launches, and exclusive partnerships.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and finance, to align category strategies with overall business objectives, and ensure seamless execution of category initiatives.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Proven experience in category management, product development, or merchandising, preferably within the food/FMCG/Consumer industry, with a strong track record of driving category growth and profitability.

Deep understanding of category management principles, including assortment planning, pricing strategy, and promotional tactics, with the ability to apply data-driven insights to optimize category performance.

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make strategic recommendations to drive business results.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization.