Job Description

Farzana is looking for a dates category manager to join our team in Dubai, UAE.

Position: Dates Category Manager

Location:

Dubai, UAE

Department:

Fresh Produce

Reports to:

Head of Categories

Job Purpose:

The Dates Category Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, planning, sourcing, pricing, and promotion of the dates category within the company. This role aims to drive sales, optimize assortment, and build strong supplier relationships to ensure that the company maintains its competitive edge in the UAE market.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Development

Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy for

dates and date products

in line with company objectives. Identify market trends, opportunities, and threats within the category. Maintain and optimize category assortment, ensuring it meets consumer needs and market demands.

Product Sourcing & Development

Source and evaluate suppliers of premium-quality dates (local and international). Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements with suppliers. Maintain relationships with suppliers and growers for long?term collaboration and continuity. Identify new date products and packaging innovations for the category.

Pricing & Profitability

Develop pricing strategies to optimize margins while maintaining competitive pricing. Monitor category sales, gross margins, and profitability. Identify opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency.

Promotions & Marketing

Plan and implement promotional campaigns, including in?store activations, online marketing, and seasonal specials (Ramadan, Eid, etc.). Work closely with the marketing team to develop attractive packaging, labeling, and campaign materials.

Category Performance Monitoring

Analyze category performance indicators (sales, margins, waste, etc.) and produce regular reports. Maintain category dashboards and recommend action plans for continuous improvement.

Quality & Compliance

Ensure that all products within the category adhere to quality, safety, and legal standards in the UAE. Stay updated with regulations and import requirements for date products.

Cross?Functional Collaboration

Coordinate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure product availability, freshness, and on time deliveries. Support the sales team with category insights, training, and sales tools. Liaise with finance for cost and pricing reviews.

Requirements and Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Agriculture, or related field. At least

3-5 years of experience

in category management especially dates. Strong understanding of the

dates market

in the Middle East, including varieties, suppliers, and consumer trends. Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem?solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and ERP software. Ability to work in a fast?paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Personal Attributes:

Results?oriented with a focus on category growth and profitability. Strong attention to detail and quality. Culturally aware and adept at working in the Middle Eastern business context. Innovative thinker passionate about the food sector.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED9,000.00 - AED11,000.00 per month