Asst. Category Manager - Own Brands | Retail | Watsons | UAE

Job Requisition ID: 182159 About Al-Futtaim Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations. Overview Of The Role: The Assistant Category Manager is responsible for supporting the growth, development, and execution of the Own Brands and Exclusive Brands strategy. The role involves driving sales, profitability, market share, and brand awareness while ensuring strong positioning across all channels. Success depends on increasing sales participation of Own Brands and Exclusive Brands through commercially driven initiatives such as product launches and marketing campaigns. Strong cross-functional execution and brand visibility will be essential to achieving these objectives. What You Will Do: Brand & Commercial Management - Support the development and execution of annual brand plans for Own Brands and Exclusive Brands. - Drive sales, margin, and profitability targets through effective assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies. - Monitor brand performance and identify growth opportunities through sales analysis and market insights. - Work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure successful product launches and brand activations. - Support forecasting, inventory planning, and stock management to optimize availability and minimize aged stock. Own Brands & Exclusive Brands Growth - Develop initiatives to increase Own Brands and Exclusive Brands sales participation across all markets and channels. - Identify white space opportunities and new product categories to expand the portfolio. - Drive customer adoption through compelling value propositions, innovation, and differentiation. - Support the execution of exclusive launches and hero product campaigns. - Track key performance indicators and recommend actions to improve brand productivity. Marketing & Consumer Engagement - Partner with Marketing and E-commerce teams to execute integrated campaigns. - Support digital, social media, CRM, influencer, and in-store activation plans. - Ensure strong brand visibility across stores, online channels, and customer touchpoints. - Analyze customer trends and consumer behavior to improve engagement and conversion. Category & Market Analysis - Conduct competitor benchmarking, trend analysis, and market research. - Monitor category performance, brand health, and customer feedback. - Prepare regular business reviews and performance reports with actionable insights. - Identify opportunities from K-Beauty, J-Beauty, C-Beauty, and emerging global beauty trends. Cross-Functional Collaboration - Collaborate with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Store Teams to ensure flawless execution. - Coordinate launch timelines, promotional calendars, and inventory readiness. - Ensure all brand initiatives are delivered on time and within budget. Required Skills To Be Successful: - Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills. - Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. - Commercial mindset and strategic planning. - Project management and cross-functional collaboration. What Qualifies You For The Role: - Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field. - 2-5 years of experience in Brand Management, Category Management, Marketing, or Retail. - Experience in Beauty, Skincare, FMCG, Health & Wellness, or Retail is preferred. - Strong analytical and commercial acumen. About Al-Futtaim Retail At Al-Futtaim Retail, we are part of a 90-year legacy built on ambition, progress and long-term vision. As one of the region’s leading retail operators, we partner with some of the world’s most trusted brands – including IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer and the Inditex Group – bringing global excellence to customers across MENA and Southeast Asia. We don’t just operate stores; we shape retail experiences. From launching brands like Watsons and Kiabi to our regions for the first time, to investing in digital innovation, AI capabilities, the customer experience and loyalty platforms, we are constantly redefining the future of retail. With over 100 nationalities spread across more than 10 countries, our strength lies in our diverse and collaborative community. Here, you’re equipped to turn your ambition into action, building the career you want, while helping us move retail forwar