Category Senior Manager

Job Description
Miral Experiences is the fastest growing theme park operator in the Middle East, and you will be directly involved in the product development for Warner Brothers World, Yas Island, SeaWorld Yas Island, Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Water World and many more exciting parks in development. The Senior Category manager is responsible for delivering engaging, compelling and world class retail product ranges across our leisure portfolio. 

Job Scope

OTB and Budget management, ensuring product development lands and orders are placed in line with company objectives. 
Accountable for setting and delivering the category strategy.
Responsible for end to end product development and execution of the retail proposition. 
Managing stock levels and calculating buy quantities to be in line with expectations and the agreed open to buy budgets. 
To create and analyze reports on sales, budgets, and customer satisfaction. Use business insight to adjust the buying strategy as appropriate. Ensure pricing strategies are implemented. 
Support in the creation of and adherence to the buying critical path. 
A proactive approach to management of promotions and markdowns to support terminal lines and aged inventory. 
Attend trade shows, events, fairs and exhibitions in order to remain up to date with market trends.
Collaboration with other shared service functions to evaluate supplier options, prices, quality etc. 
Maintain trust relationships with suppliers to promote fair dealing. Understand the supplier relationship in the organization and the correct manner of addressing our suppliers. To assist suppliers with day-to-day queries including samples, timely delivery of goods, stock ready dates and expected delivery dates into the business. 
Adherence to and an understanding of UAE regulations through a robust test, audit, and compliance process. 
Work in collaboration with relevant IP holders and partners. 
Actively demonstrate a strong personal commitment to the business vision. To shows an entrepreneurial mindset that helps the organization evolve, innovate, and remain as leading edge and effective as possible. 
To conduct colleague performance appraisals in a timely, fair and constructive manner in order to promote their personal and career growth.
To Perform other reasonable duties as requested by senior management.

Essential:

Higher secondary or equivalent
Minimum of 8 years buying experience. 
Experience in sourcing, developing and delivering product that not only meets the company’s requirements, but also maintains brand standards to the IP owner
Comprehensive understanding of the product buying cycle and stages/processes within it.
Possess a fundamental understanding of retail theories and standards, product design and packaging, product sourcing and delivery, contract negotiation, product inventory control, product display, and product pricing and sales.
Proficiency in writing, speaking, and understanding the English language.
Ability to monitor and identify problems proactively. Understanding of how best to utilize all resources available to quickly and effectively solve problems as they occur and with a strong sense of urgency. 
Stays current on new retail trends, technologies, and processes emerging in the industry and proactively works to develop new products and services that will improve profits through increased operational efficiency and/or improved guest satisfaction, 
Negotiation skills
Interpersonal skills
Leadership skills
Multitasking skills - Ability to work in a fast paced, fun, and busy environment managing multiple deadlines. 
Knowledge on department budgeting, P&L, and open-to-buy development.
Knowledge and understanding of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, POS systems, retail inventory control and finance software.
Adaptability, comfortable with change in a fast-paced environment
Desirable:

Bachelor’s Degree.  
Retail and Buying experience within the leisure. theme park sector. 
Knowledge on business development
Proficiency in other languages a plus