Category Manager - Make Up | Retail | Watsons

Job Requisition ID: 182113 

About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.

Overview Of The Role:
The Category Manager is responsible for supporting the Head of Commercial in developing category strategies to maximize sales and gross margin, while managing inventory objectives for specific brands. The role involves strategic planning for sustained growth across multiple markets, managing financial dimensions of up to 100m AED+ across five countries, and overseeing a small team. Success is measured through stock availability, brand mix, sell-through rates, and performance surveys among other KPIs.

What You Will Do:

General

• Develop, implement, and deliver category plans including range reviews, promotions pricing, and stock that align with overall commercial strategy and financial objectives.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to create marketing promotion plans that adhere to legislation, brand guidelines, and effectively communicate with the customer to drive profitable sales.
• Review and evaluate the effectiveness of promotions, taking appropriate action, and share best practices with peers and stakeholders.
• Work with Exclusive Brands to develop and offer exclusive products and ranges that increase participation and meet strategic plans.
• Coordinate with the planning team to establish merchandising strategies that deliver the right range in stores, ensuring availability and managing slow-moving stock.
• Identify and implement new product opportunities that are competitively priced, viable, and meet customer needs to drive sales and profitability.
• Manage and review pricing to ensure competitiveness and maximize profitability within the company pricing strategy.
• Work with the planning team to adhere to base sales and promotional forecasts, maintaining store availability for customer needs.
• Develop effective internal relationships with cross-functional team members to support category objectives and performance.
• Build and maintain effective external relationships to enhance the Watsons proposition and meet customer needs.
• Employ negotiation strategies to secure the best terms for the category and business.
• Utilize and continually develop expertise in category products, competitors, and market activities to improve category performance.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Commercial awareness and creative ability to enhance category performance.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage multiple tasks.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 6-7 years of experience as a buyer in a retail environment.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a cosmetics industry buying role.
• Strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational and time management skills.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

At Al-Futtaim Retail, we are part of a 90-year legacy built on ambition, progress and long-term vision. As one of the region’s leading retail operators, we partner with some of the world’s most trusted brands – including IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer and the Inditex Group – bringing global excellence to customers across MENA and Southeast Asia.

We don’t just operate stores; we shape retail experiences. From launching brands like Watsons and Kiabi to our regions for the first time, to investing in digital innovation, AI capabilities, the customer experience and loyalty platforms, we are constantly redefining the future of retail. 

With over 100 nationalities spread across more than 10 countries, our strength lies in our diverse and collaborative community. Here, you’re equipped to turn your ambition into action, building the career you want, while helping us move retail forwards.

Join us and be part of The Heart of Tomorrow.