Category Manager - Cosmetics and Beauty Retail Job Vacancy in UAE Dubai
![]() |
Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim is one of the most progressive regional family business houses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. |
Take your career to the next level with a dynamic opportunity at Al-Futtaim Group in Dubai as a Category Manager in the fast-growing cosmetics and beauty retail sector. This role places you at the heart of strategic planning, vendor partnerships, pricing, inventory control, and promotional planning for high-performing beauty brands across the region.
Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job Industry: Retail - Cosmetics and Beauty
Job Function: Category Management and Merchandising
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Negotiable
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: UAE preferred
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Why Is This Role a Game-Changer for Your Career?
- Lead the strategic direction for top-tier cosmetic brands across multiple markets
- Join one of the UAE’s most respected and diversified retail groups
- Work with exclusive brands, premium vendors, and fast-paced expansion projects
What Does a Category Manager in Cosmetics Do?
A Category Manager in the beauty retail segment is responsible for maximizing sales and profitability by managing the product assortment, vendor negotiations, pricing, and promotional planning. You will ensure category growth through market analysis, customer insights, and close collaboration with supply chain, marketing, and eCommerce teams.
Key Responsibilities You Will Own
Strategic Category Planning
- Develop and implement end-to-end category strategies and assortment plans
- Monitor performance at brand and SKU levels, adjusting strategy to optimize margins
- Work with key vendors to secure investments, visibility, and long-term relationships
- Build promotion and pricing strategies aligned with brand and business goals
Inventory and Merchandise Management
- Monitor sell-through rates, stock health, and returns to maintain inventory balance
- Plan new store launches and execute optimal in-store category exposure
- Conduct range reviews, manage deletion and clearance strategies
Promotional and Marketing Collaboration
- Coordinate with CRM, digital, and store marketing teams to support campaigns
- Plan and forecast product demand for promotion periods
- Develop tailored promotional offers based on consumer trends and business goals
Commercial Partnerships and Vendor Management
- Negotiate product terms and pricing to improve profitability
- Identify exclusive brand opportunities and develop private label options
- Track competition and customer behavior to inform buying decisions
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Align with planning and supply teams on stock availability and demand forecasting
- Work with finance and retail operations to ensure budget adherence and commercial execution
- Lead communication with global and local vendors for best-in-class category management
What Skills Are Required to Succeed in This Role?
- Minimum 5 years of category management or buying experience in retail
- At least 2 years of specific experience in the cosmetics or beauty sector
- Strong commercial awareness with proven negotiation and vendor management skills
- Advanced analytical capabilities and understanding of sales forecasting
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and retail merchandising systems
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
- Ability to multitask and manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced retail environment
What Benefits Can You Expect?
- Be part of a rapidly expanding retail portfolio in the beauty and lifestyle sector
- Career progression within one of the UAE’s top-tier retail groups
- Opportunity to shape the future of cosmetics retail in the Middle East
About the Company
Al-Futtaim Group is one of the largest and most progressive privately held businesses in the Middle East, headquartered in Dubai, UAE. With over 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries, the group represents over 200 global brands in sectors including automotive, real estate, finance, healthcare, and retail. Through innovation, agility, and a customer-first mindset, Al-Futtaim continues to lead retail excellence with strategic investments across the region.