Category Manager

Company Name: Tasweeq - Toys R Us KSA
Location: SaudiArabia

Job Purpose and Scope

• To ensure the best selection and most profitable mix of items/ranges within designated categories and across our store grades for our target customers

• To be the champion of designated categories and ranges, liaising with TRU Marketing, TRU Operations and external suppliers to ensure best in store visual merchandising and a superb ‘experience’ for our young customers

• To be aware of market trends and activities as or before they happen to ensure that TRU leads the market, rather than follows  

Supplier Management

• Recommend potential new suppliers and terms for each supplier to DMM for approval before first order placing

• Manage supplier relationships professionally and collaboratively and look for win/win outcomes, within Business Development Agreement

• Contribute to annual or quarterly supplier reviews

Category Management

• Plan ahead on a rolling 6/12 month basis ensuring that Marketing teams are aware of any buying initiatives and important new product stories particularly where these support an event or launch of a new film

• Complete quarterly SWOT analysis and get feedback from store teams on relevant categories to identify opportunities

• Understand the market; understand reasons for ‘good’ or ‘bad’ performance. Recommend to DMM short and long term actions as needed

• Agree mix of Private Label product on annual basis with DMM

• Be fully aware of the timing of expected peak seasons and school holidays

• Liaise with Marketing teams to ensure that product is available on a timely basis to support forthcoming marketing initiatives and peak selling periods

• Present range plans, buying proposals, and feedback on best/worst sellers/stock ageing to Management at planned monthly review meetings

• Stay on top of OTB liaising with Planning Manager to ensure that all orders large and small for new ranges are always within budget and in line with stock targets

Product Selection

• Select and purchase products/ranges/items that tell stories or are part of a bigger story, and plan when where and how products will ‘fit’ and be displayed when orders are placed

• Negotiate marketing and other support needed BEFORE orders are placed, always bearing in mind the need to create a wonderful instore ‘experience’ for each category. Involve marketing dept personnel during negotiations as needed

• Develop groups of product around ‘good’ ‘better’ ‘best’ principles and ensure that top stores have optimum selection of ‘best’ product

• Recommend initial distribution for new orders but final decision will rest with IC manager

• Ensure price positioning is in line with – or lower than - the KSA retail market, negotiating terms with suppliers to ensure margin targets are met, including provision for markdowns and returns

• Ensure suppliers send pictures and product information on all new product for e-commerce activities, this is a strict requirement effective immediately

Product sell through

• Regularly review best sellers with Planning and Distribution team and agree action to be taken to maximize sales (reorders will be managed by Planning Manager on a semi-automated basis)

• Broadcast success around the business and on social media and encourage dual display, and/or end cap positioning in stores

• Regularly review worst sellers with Planning and Distribution team and agree action to be taken – change display/location, promote, markdown, BOGOF, RTV, etc

• Review performance at item level with suppliers on a monthly basis and agree action required on slow sellers including supplier returns

Other responsibilities

• Visit competitors and be aware of activities and pricing

• Learn and manage ERP system ensuring timely input of relevant product information

Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge: Diploma or higher or 3 years’ experience.

Required Competencies:

Good command of business English (written and verbal).
Good computer skills (Outlook, Excel & SAP) and detailed report analysis skills.
Ability to handle multi tasks simultaneously.

Note : This Job is for Saudi nationals only.

Gender: Male and Female welcomed

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

• Employment type

  Full-time

• Job function

  Sales

• Industries

  Retail