Category Manager – Performance Sports

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, and Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita's, and Mc Cain.Job Summary As a Category Manager – Performance Sports, you will play a pivotal role in shaping high-impact product assortments, driving category sales growth, and delivering an outstanding customer experience tailored to athletes and sports enthusiasts. Collaborating closely with the buying, merchandising, and marketing teams, you will oversee inventory optimization, identify emerging trends in performance gear, and lead cross-functional initiatives to maximize profitability and brand presence in a fast-paced and competitive retail environment. Your strategic insights and market knowledge will ensure that our performance sports category remains innovative, relevant, and aligned with consumer demand.Accountabilities 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 BIBuild 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 Experience: 7+ years in category management, with a proven track record of at least 5 years in sports, fashion, or lifestyle retail—preferably within the performance sports segment.Experience in managing high-growth categories, optimizing assortments, and driving sales through consumer-focused strategies in fast-paced retail environments.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 Why Join GMG?At GMG, we're dedicated to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging work environment that promotes growth, innovation, and well-being. Join us in our mission to inspire victories that make the world better – for our team, our consumers, and our communities.If you're seeking a challenging role where you can make a significant impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to become a part of our journey.What we offer A diverse team environment with international exposure Comprehensive family medical insurance Family residency sponsorship and flight allowances Up to 30% employee discount in our premium retail sports brand stores Up to 20% employee discount in our pharmacy chain Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Strategy/Planning, Purchasing, and Product Management Industries Retail Apparel and Fashion and Retail Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at GMG by 2x Get notified about new Category Manager jobs in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 7 hours ago Client Solutions Manager, Retail & Ecom- Global Business Solutions - Dubai (MENA)Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 4 hours ago Store manager - Luxury Jewellery and Watches Manager Retail Buying - FOC & Marketplaces GCCGlobal Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 2 weeks ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr