Category Manager; Fresh Fruits & Vegetables or Non-Food

Position Summary

We are looking for a Category Manager – Fresh Fruits, Vegetables or Non-Food for a UAE-based general trading and supply chain organization operating as part of a larger diversified group specializing in integrated procurement and distribution solutions across multiple business sectors.

The company functions as a key commercial arm supporting large-scale operations in food and non-food categories, serving multiple business units within a group structure. Its core strength lies in managing end-to-end sourcing, supplier partnerships, pricing strategy and category optimization across a wide portfolio of products.

The Category Manager is responsible for managing assigned Food and Non-Food product categories across all business units within the group. The role focuses on developing category strategies, managing procurement activities, optimizing pricing and driving overall commercial performance to achieve sales and profitability targets.

Salary: up to 20k.

Location:

KEZAD. Hybrid working model with flexibility. The role is primarily based in KEZAD with occasional travel for external business meetings and client engagements.

• Category Management & Strategy

  Develop and execute category strategies for assigned Food and Non‑Food product ranges.

  Analyze market trends, customer demand and competitor activity.

  Identify new product opportunities to improve category performance.

  Work with business units to drive category growth and sales.

• Supplier & Procurement Management

  Source, evaluate and onboard suppliers based on cost, quality and reliability.

  Negotiate contracts, pricing, rebates and commercial terms.

  Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with agreements.

  Maintain supplier database and contract documentation.

• Pricing & Commercial Performance

  Develop and manage pricing strategies for assigned categories.

  Ensure competitive pricing while maintaining profitability.

  Secure supplier rebates, discounts and promotional support.

  Support achievement of revenue and margin targets.

• Inventory & Product Management

  Monitor stock levels and ensure optimal availability.

  Manage slow‑moving and excess inventory.

  Optimize product assortment and storage efficiency.

  Coordinate with operations for demand planning.

• Sales & Marketing Coordination

  Collaborate with sales and marketing teams for promotions and campaigns.

  Support product launches and category promotions.

  Contribute category insights to improve customer engagement and sales performance.

• Systems, Compliance & Reporting

  Ensure full compliance with procurement policies and SOPs.

  Maintain accurate records using ERP and company systems.

  Ensure adherence to Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and IMS policies.

  Prepare regular reports on category performance and supplier activity.

• Stakeholder Management

  Coordinate with internal departments: procurement, sales, marketing, business units.

  Engage with external suppliers and vendors.

  Support cross‑functional business initiatives.

• Category sales growth
• Gross margin and profitability improvement
• Supplier performance and compliance
• Cost savings through negotiation and sourcing
• Inventory efficiency and stock availability
• Accuracy of records and contract management

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing or related field.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in Category Management, Procurement or FMCG/Wholesale Distribution.
• Experience in Food and Non‑Food wholesale/HORECA environment preferred.
• Additional certification in Procurement or Supply Chain is an advantage.

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Commercial and analytical mindset.
• Category planning and strategy development.
• Inventory and supply chain understanding.
• Stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and reporting tools.
• Effective communication.