Category Manager - Sports Dubai

Who we are:

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. 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.

We are hiring Category Managers across our key categories, including Performance, Lifestyle and Seasonal Sports.

As Category Manager, you will play a vital role in shaping product assortments, driving sales growth, and delivering an exceptional customer experience. You'll work closely with the buying and merchandising teams, oversee inventory optimization, and lead cross-functional initiatives to maximize performance in a fast-paced and dynamic retail environment.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead end-to-end category management including assortment planning, pricing, and promotional strategy
• Conduct market research and analyze consumer, competitor, and sales data to shape category direction
• Collaborate with merchandising, logistics, and marketing to ensure successful product launches and seasonal planning
• Optimize inventory levels and supply chain flow using tools like SAP and Power BI
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure favorable pricing and delivery terms
• Track and report on category performance, identifying improvement areas and driving actionable insights
• Lead and develop category-specific teams, setting clear performance targets and fostering growth

What we need:

• Experience: 7+ years in category management, with at least 5 years in sports, fashion, or lifestyle retail
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain; postgraduate degree is an advantage
• Systems: Proficiency in SAP ERP and Power BI, with strong data analysis and inventory planning skills
• Skills: Excellent negotiation, leadership, and communication skills; strong commercial acumen
• Languages: Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage
• Mindset: Strategic, data-driven, customer-focused, and agile