Category Manager – Retail

About the role

Boutiqaat is seeking a proactive Category Manager to own and grow specific retail categories. You will combine strategic thinking, data analysis, and supplier partnership to turn insights into profitable actions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute category and process plans aligned with business objectives.
• Create rolling forecasts based on historical sales and seasonal trends.
• Build and manage Open‑to‑Buy (OTB) budgets and monitor category performance.
• Design monthly action plans, promotions and sales‑driving initiatives in line with the marketing calendar.
• Support global sourcing projects and strategic category initiatives.
• Conduct fact‑based negotiations using cost analysis, benchmarks and supplier insights.
• Define and execute supplier relationship management strategies, mitigating risk where needed.
• Improve pricing, quality, lead times, fill rates and overall operational efficiency.
• Oversee private‑label purchase patterns, production schedules and logistics to meet demand.
• Place and validate purchase orders to ensure product availability.
• Develop exit strategies for slow‑moving items through promotions or campaigns.
• Track daily and monthly performance against budget targets.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Merchandising and Digital teams to secure stock for events and campaigns.
• Partner with IT and BI teams to enhance reporting, automation and system functionality.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in category management, purchasing or related retail functions.
• Proven ability to lead a purchasing team and manage both local and international supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in forecasting, budgeting and performance tracking.

Required skills

• Category Management
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Negotiation
• Forecasting
• Purchasing
• Branding alignment