Category Senior Manager

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Senior Category Manager to join our Retail Shared Services team. Reporting to the Retail Buying Director , you will play a key role in driving category performance, leading product development initiatives, managing supplier relationships, and delivering innovative merchandise strategies across our portfolio of attractions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a retail professional with strong buying and product development expertise to help shape the future of merchandise across one of the region's leading entertainment groups.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management & Product Development

• Own and drive the development of assigned merchandise categories.
• Lead end-to-end product development, from concept through production and launch.
• Manage IP design submissions, sample approvals, and production processes through online licensing portals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Work closely with Merchandise Planning teams to manage buy plans and intake schedules.
• Ensure all products meet UAE regulatory, testing, compliance, and audit requirements.
• Maintain product hierarchy and category structures to support accurate reporting and analysis.
• Collaborate with Retail Shared Services teams on item creation, pricing, visual merchandising standards, and purchase order management.
• Manage category budgets, including order-to-buy, cost of goods, freight costs, and gross profit targets.
• Analyze sales and inventory data to identify growth opportunities and optimize product performance.
• Partner with Merchandise Planning and Inventory teams to proactively manage slow-moving and end-of-line stock.
• Monitor category performance through regular reporting and commercial reviews.

Strategic Planning

• Identify market trends, customer preferences, and sourcing opportunities to drive innovation and competitiveness.
• Support annual business planning, events, activations, and annual pass initiatives.
• Identify growth opportunities within assigned categories and contribute to long-term retail strategies.

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external business partners.
• Collaborate with intellectual property (IP) licensors and brand partners to align merchandise offerings.
• Ensure effective communication and follow-up with all stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle.

Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop team members while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and teamwork across departments and business units.

What We're Looking For

Experience

8–10 years of experience in retail buying and product development.

• Proven experience managing multiple merchandise categories.
• Strong background in end-to-end product development and category management.
• Experience working with suppliers, manufacturers, and vendor networks.
• Experience managing budgets, gross profit targets, and open-to-buy processes.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical mindset.
• Strategic thinker with excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and retail systems.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred

• Experience within theme parks, attractions, entertainment, or leisure industries.
• Experience working with licensed brands and intellectual property (IP).
• Experience across GCC retail markets.
• Additional language skills are an advantage.