Product Category Manager

Product & Category ManagerReports to: Managing DirectorTHE ROLEOur client is looking for a commercially sharp Product & Category Manager with a strong instinct for what consumers will want next.The role combines product discovery, buying, category management and commercial analysis. You will identify new product opportunities across retail, client.ae, Amazon and Noon; source and negotiate with suppliers; build profitable ranges; and use sales and market data to decide what we should test, scale, reorder or exit.We are looking for someone who combines product instinct with numbers — not someone who simply buys from supplier catalogues.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESIdentify new products, brands and category opportunities relevant to the client’s consumers.Track global and regional trends across retail, social media, Amazon, Noon and other marketplaces.Research marketplace demand, best sellers, competitor products, pricing, reviews and category gaps.Identify products specifically with strong potential for Amazon, Noon and client.ae.Source products and suppliers locally and internationally.Negotiate pricing, MOQs, payment terms and commercial terms.Build commercial cases for new products considering selling price, landed cost, margin, demand, competition, MOQ and inventory investment.Develop and manage category assortments, including hero products, core ranges and trend-led opportunities.Recommend initial buying quantities and manage replenishment based on sales, stock cover and demand.Monitor sell-through, inventory turn, stock availability and ageing inventory.Identify winners quickly and recommend where the client should increase investment.Identify underperforming products early and recommend optimisation, markdown or exit.Work closely with E-commerce and Sales to understand customer demand and product performance across channels.Identify opportunities for private-label or client-owned products based on proven consumer demand.Maintain an active pipeline of new product and category opportunities for the business.WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR5+ years' experience in buying, category management, merchandising or product-led retail.Experience in consumer products such as toys, lifestyle, gifting, beauty, accessories, fashion, tech accessories or related categories is preferred.Strong product and trend instincts.Strong commercial and numerical ability.Experience sourcing and negotiating with suppliers.Good understanding of margin, pricing, forecasting, inventory and sell-through.Comfortable using e-commerce and marketplace data to make product decisions.Strong analytical and Excel skills.Curious, proactive and able to independently identify opportunities.Experience with Amazon/Noon product research, international sourcing or private-label development is an advantage.SUCCESS IN THIS ROLESuccess means building better, more profitable product ranges — not simply adding more products.You will be expected to identify new opportunities, improve category performance, increase sell-through, reduce ageing inventory and help the client make smarter decisions about where to invest its product and inventory capital.We want a product hunter with commercial discipline — someone who is constantly looking for what the client should sell next and can build the business case to support it.PS : Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted