We're looking for a hands-on Category Manager who knows how to run a card and gift range properly the old-fashioned way, with good judgement, strong commercial sense, and an eye for what people actually pick up off the shelf. This role is all about building a reliable, well-priced, good-looking product assortment that customers love.
You'll take ownership of the full category: choosing products, managing suppliers, ensuring stock flows smoothly, keeping displays sharp, and making sure the numbers add up at the end of each month. If you enjoy working with physical products, staying ahead of seasons, and making sure the right items are in the right place at the right time, this role will suit you perfectly.
Key Responsibilities1. Product & Category Management
- Plan, source, and manage the full range of greeting cards, gift bags, wrapping papers, balloons, partyware, and seasonal gifts.
- Project manage selected products to be uploaded to website and other digital afffiliate channels.
- Analyse sales data to pick winners, discontinue poor performers, and forecast what sells when.
- Maintain a balanced collection across all occasions (Birthday, Wedding, Baby, Ramadan, Christmas, Corporate, etc.).
- Manage photoshoots and advertising tasks relating to the category
- Improve product margins through smart buying, bundle-building, and pricing tactics.
2. Supplier & Sourcing
- Identify new suppliers locally and internationally.
- Negotiate MOQs, lead times, costing, and payment terms.
- Manage artwork approvals, sampling, and production timelines.
- Build long-term relationships with reliable manufacturers.
3. Inventory & Operations
- Maintain optimal stock levels not too little (lost sales) and not too much (dust collectors).
- Coordinate with warehouse and logistics on inbound shipments, QC, and replenishment.
- Track expiry-risk for seasonal or trend-driven items.
- Work closely with merchandising teams to ensure product availability and rotation.
4. Merchandising & Display
- Plan planograms, shelf layouts, and display strategies for retail stores.
- Ensure every section looks premium, tidy, and on-brand.
- Support retailers with display stands, signage, and promotional materials.
5. Sales & Performance
- Monitor weekly and monthly KPIs (sell-through, margin, stock turns).
- Prepare category performance reports and improvement plans.
- Work with marketing to plan promotions, seasonal launches, and new product reveals.
6. Market Trends & Competitor Insights
- Stay on top of local and global design trends, colours, seasons, and formats.
- Track what brands like Hallmark, Card Factory, Noon Minutes, etc., are doing.
- Suggest innovative product ideas and personalised gifting opportunities.
Requirements
- 35+ years experience in category management, merchandising, or buying ideally in Gifting, greetings cards, gift accessories, party supplies, stationery, FMCG, or retail.
- Strong Content management skills
- Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
- Comfortable with margins, costing sheets, and forecasting.
- Project management of Designers, photographers & videographers
- Excellent eye for design, detail, and product trends.
- Good knowledge of UAE retail landscape.
- Excel-friendly
- Organised, proactive, and commercially sharp.
