Category Development Manager - ACE

Job description / Role

Category Development Manager - ACE - DFC - Dubai

Reporting to the Business Development Manager, the Research and Category Development Manager will be responsible for leading & driving the research process in the business and conducting analysis on the market & competitors; globally & locally, in order to support the development process.

You will be accountable for providing the category, market and industry insights through better understanding of the consumer needs, market trends and future category influences, to enhance the strategic planning and category development for the Buying Team.

Requirements

It is essential you have at least 5 years experience in a Buying / Research & Category Development role within a large retail brand and possess excellent skills in analyzing consumer trends, identifying new business opportunities and creating and implementing future-focused buying strategies.

A commercial understanding of the Home/Garden/DIY retail industry is desirable but it is essential that you have experience and a thorough understanding of global buying, budgeting, forecasting and trading knowledge and excellent analytical and numerical skills.

You must possess strong decision making skills, be good at networking and building relationships and have the ability to work with people at all levels in a multi-functional, deadline-driven environment.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.