OTC Category Manager (2023743)

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and analytical OTC Category Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in driving the success of our over-the-counter (OTC) product categories. Reporting to the Category Head, this position is responsible for supporting the strategic development, execution, and optimization of our category portfolio while ensuring alignment with business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of analytical acumen, supplier management skills, and operational expertise to enhance sales performance, profitability, and inventory efficiency. If you are passionate about category management, thrive in a collaborative environment, and have a proven track record in retail or FMCG, we invite you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

The OTC Category Manager will contribute to the following core functions:

• Category Portfolio & Product Lifecycle Management:
  • Assist in the development and execution of category strategies by analyzing sales trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities.
  • Support the product selection, listing, and delisting process, ensuring alignment with market demand and business objectives.
  • Monitor product performance and recommend strategic initiatives, including product expansions, seeding plans, and liquidation strategies to optimize category health.
• Supplier Coordination & Contract Support:
  • Collaborate with suppliers to prepare analytical reports and proposals for contract negotiations and execution.
  • Support Joint Business Planning (JBP) initiatives with suppliers to maximize rebates, discounts, and promotional investments while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Monitor supplier performance to ensure adherence to pricing agreements, product availability, and stock replenishment schedules.
• Pricing & Promotions Management:
  • Conduct comprehensive market research to inform pricing strategies and promotional campaigns.
  • Coordinate with marketing teams to align promotion calendars, advertising plans, and in-store activations for maximum impact.
  • Evaluate promotion effectiveness through data analysis and provide actionable insights to the Category Head for continuous improvement.
• Store Fulfilment & Inventory Optimization:
  • Assist in inventory forecasting and demand planning to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize excess or shortage risks.
  • Work closely with supply chain teams to manage order placement, replenishment processes, and distribution models.
  • Ensure planogram compliance and that store layouts adhere to category strategies and merchandising standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Execution:
  • Support finance teams with cost analysis, margin optimization, and budgeting tasks to enhance profitability.
  • Liaise with operations to address store-level challenges related to category availability, placement, and execution.
  • Provide data-driven insights to marketing teams to develop effective consumer engagement strategies and drive category growth.
• Performance Tracking & Reporting:
  • Monitor category KPIs, including sales performance, profit margins, inventory turnover, and other critical metrics.
  • Prepare detailed reports and interactive dashboards to support strategic decision-making for the Category Department Manager.
  • Recommend improvements based on data analysis, competitor benchmarking, and market trends to drive category success.

Work Environment & Schedule

The OTC Category Manager will operate primarily in an indoor office setting, with occasional outdoor visits to stores or supplier locations. The role follows a structured schedule of five working days per week, with two designated days off. Working hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including a one-hour break for meals and rest.

Qualifications & Skills

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-6 years of relevant experience in retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), or category management, with a proven ability to drive category growth and profitability.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and advanced analytics tools for data interpretation and reporting.
• Languages: Fluency in both English and Arabic is required to effectively communicate with stakeholders and execute responsibilities in the designated markets.