Category Manager - Private Label (FMCG)

Company Overview

GMG is a global well-being enterprise engaged in retailing, distribution, and manufacturing of a diverse range of international and home-grown brands spanning sports, everyday products, health and beauty, real estate, and logistics. Owned and actively managed by the Baker family for over 45 years, GMG has established itself as a trusted partner for globally recognized and respected well-being brands. Operating in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG manages more than 120 brands across 12 countries, including leading home-grown brands like Sun & Sand Sports, Dropkick, Super Care Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, Klassic, and global names such as Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita’s, and McCain.

Role Summary

The Category Manager will oversee strategy formulation and execution to boost sales, profitability, and product innovation within private label categories. This role involves sourcing and administering a portfolio of private label items that deliver exceptional quality and value. Close collaboration with suppliers and internal departments will be essential, alongside utilizing market knowledge, commercial insight, and adept negotiation to sustain competitive advantage. This position plays a critical role in shaping the private label product lineup in alignment with company growth and brand targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, engage, and evaluate suppliers to foster productive, cooperative partnerships.
• Drive supplier performance to meet quality, innovation, and business objectives.
• Lead procurement processes and projects within assigned categories, negotiating contracts that secure advantageous terms and ensure compliance.
• Develop and execute category management plans focused on innovation, quality, and commercial success.
• Monitor and evaluate product performance and market conditions, delivering forecasts, plans, and insightful presentations.
• Analyze market data to uncover trends, opportunities, and benchmarking for assortment, pricing, and promotions.
• Provide leadership by mentoring and managing the team, setting clear objectives, executing performance management practices, and fostering continuous improvement.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support organizational goals.

Technical and Functional Competencies

• Expertise in category management: assortment planning, pricing, promotion, and product lifecycle management.
• Private label product development, including sourcing, supplier engagement, and bringing products from concept to market.
• Strong procurement and negotiation capabilities, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and cost oversight.
• Robust commercial and financial skills: familiarity with P&L statements, budgeting, margin analysis, and data-informed decision making.
• Proficiency in market trend analysis, competitor benchmarking, and customer behavior insights.
• Effective project, stakeholder, and time management skills.
• Advanced data analysis, reporting, and forecasting abilities; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; experience with ERP and category management tools.
• Excellent communication, problem solving, decision-making, leadership, and people management skills.

Experience Requirements

A minimum of 10 years in private label management with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity, specifically within retail buying in the FMCG sector.