Category Manager – Sports

The Category Manager - Sports leads end-to-end category planning and execution, with accountability for sales growth, profitability, market share, assortment quality, and inventory productivity. The role turns consumer insight and commercial data into category strategies, balancing product range, price, promotion, and stock availability across relevant channels and store groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the strategy and commercial priorities for assigned sports categories.
• Lead assortment planning, product selection, pricing, product lifecycle decisions, and inventory optimisation.
• Analyse customer demand, market trends, competitors, and sales results to shape category plans.
• Plan promotions and seasonal campaigns to grow sales, margin, and stock health.
• Coach and guide buying and merchandising colleagues on range decisions and category standards.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate commercial terms, prices, and service levels.
• Track category performance and recommend actions when sales, margin, or stock differ from plan.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Relevant experience in category management, buying, merchandising, or sports retail.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to translate data into actionable plans.
• Experience working with suppliers, commercial targets, product assortments, and inventory.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate decisions clearly.
• Specific degree and minimum experience requirements were not stated in the details available.

Relevant Skills

• Category strategy, assortment planning, and price architecture.
• Sales and margin analysis, inventory optimisation, and supplier negotiation.
• Leadership, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making.

Employment Details

This is a full-time opportunity based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The successful candidate should follow the procedures relevant to the position, keep required records accurate, and coordinate professionally with colleagues and supervisors. Salary and any additional contractual terms should be confirmed during recruitment; no salary figure is added here because a verified amount was not available.

Working Approach

The role also calls for reliable follow-through, professional communication, accurate records, and a practical approach to resolving day-to-day issues. The employee is expected to work cooperatively with colleagues, share important updates with the relevant supervisor, and maintain service, safety, and quality standards as business priorities change. Applicants should make their relevant experience, licences, technical knowledge, and examples of work clear when discussing their suitability for the position.