Senior Category Manager - Imports / Private Label / Fresh Food

COMPANY OVERVIEWThe Sultan legacy proudly spans over 40 years, when it first launched its Kuwait flagship store in 1981. Recognized as Your Neighbourhood Grocer, its offering is a differentiated lifestyle consumer experience through its various concepts. A fixture in the community and much sought after by locals and expats in the region, Sultan is synonymous with promising the highest standards of quality. Keeping pace with consumer trends, Sultan offers the most sought-after worldwide products and innovative partnerships and is one of the largest retailers serving millions. With customer excellence driving the brand value proposition, the company operates supermarkets in; Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan with a network spanning over 70 stores in the Middle East.SENIOR CATEGORY MANAGER - IMPORTS / PRIVATE LABEL / FRESH FOODWe are looking for experienced and commercially driven Senior Category Managers to join our Commercial team.We are seeking candidates with strong category management and buying experience within Imports / Foreign Buying, Private Label, or Fresh Food.Job Role The Senior Category Manager will be responsible for driving the commercial performance of assigned categories through effective category strategy, sourcing and buying, assortment management, supplier negotiations, pricing, promotions, and profitability management.The role is responsible for bringing strong market knowledge, commercial judgment, and supplier management capabilities, with a proven ability to deliver sustainable sales and margin growth in a fast-paced retail environment.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & PerformanceDevelop and implement category strategies and plans aligned with overall commercial objectives.Manage the performance of assigned categories across store formats, including sales, gross margin, profitability, inventory, availability, and P&L.Develop and optimize product assortments based on customer needs, market trends, category performance, and competitive activity.Identify opportunities for category growth, range development, margin enhancement, and improved customer value.Regularly review category performance and implement appropriate commercial actions to achieve agreed targets.Sourcing, Buying & Supplier ManagementIdentify, evaluate, and select suitable suppliers, manufacturers, brands, and products in line with category requirements.Source products through local and/or international markets, depending on the assigned category.Lead commercial negotiations covering cost prices, discounts, rebates, payment terms, promotional support, and other trading terms.Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and other business partners.Conduct supplier performance reviews and identify opportunities to improve commercial terms, service levels, and profitability.Resolve supplier-related commercial and operational matters in coordination with relevant stakeholders.Assortment, Pricing & PromotionsDefine and maintain an effective assortment appropriate to the assigned category and customer requirements.Establish and review pricing based on company guidelines, costs, competitive positioning, and margin objectives.Develop promotional plans and select products for promotional activities.Monitor promotional effectiveness and take appropriate actions to improve sales and profitability.Conduct regular market and competitor price reviews.Manage new product introductions, range reviews, and rationalization of underperforming products.Commercial & Market AnalysisMonitor market developments, consumer trends, competitor activity, and emerging product opportunities.Analyze category performance and key commercial KPIs to identify opportunities and areas requiring action.Evaluate product and supplier performance and make commercially sound recommendations.Identify opportunities to improve sales, gross margin, product mix, availability, and overall category profitability.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, Replenishment, Marketing, Finance, and other Commercial functions.Coordinate product launches, promotional activities, seasonal requirements, availability, and in-store execution.Ensure category plans and commercial initiatives are effectively implemented across the business.Required Skills & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field.Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in Category Management, Buying, Merchandising, Sourcing, or a similar commercial role, preferably within supermarket, hypermarket, FMCG, or food retail.Strong professional experience in at least one of the following Commercial areas: Imports / Foreign Buying, Private Label, or Fresh Food.Strong sourcing, buying, negotiation, and supplier relationship management experience.Sound understanding of sales, gross margin, pricing, promotions, inventory, and category P&L.Strong commercial and analytical capabilities with the ability to translate data and market insights into actions.Excellent negotiation, communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.Energetic, proactive, results-oriented, and able to perform effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.