Category Senior Manager

Role Overview

Category Senior Manager at Miral Destinations, Abu Dhabi. Reporting to the Retail Buying Director, you will drive category performance, lead product development initiatives, manage supplier relationships, and deliver innovative merchandise strategies across a portfolio of world-class attractions.

Company Overview

Miral Experiences is a region leader in the management and operation of award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. The portfolio includes Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, and Qasr Al Watan. The organization specializes in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering thrills, joy, and discovery.

Role Purpose

Own assigned merchandise categories and drive their performance across the attraction portfolio by leading end-to-end product development, managing supplier relationships, optimizing commercial results, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative retail strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management & Product Development

• Own and drive the development of assigned merchandise categories
• Lead end-to-end product development from concept through production and launch
• Manage IP design submissions, sample approvals, and production processes through online licensing portals
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors
• Work closely with Merchandise Planning teams to manage buy plans and intake schedules
• Ensure all products meet UAE regulatory, testing, compliance, and audit requirements
• Maintain product hierarchy and category structures to support accurate reporting and analysis
• Collaborate with Retail Shared Services teams on item creation, pricing, visual merchandising standards, and purchase order management

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Manage category budgets, including open-to-buy, cost of goods, freight costs, and gross profit targets
• Analyze sales and inventory data to identify growth opportunities and optimize product performance
• Partner with Merchandise Planning and Inventory teams to proactively manage slow-moving and end-of-line stock
• Monitor category performance through regular reporting and commercial reviews

Strategic Planning

• Identify market trends, customer preferences, and sourcing opportunities to drive innovation and competitiveness
• Support annual business planning, events, activations, and annual pass initiatives
• Identify growth opportunities within assigned categories and contribute to long-term retail strategies

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external business partners
• Collaborate with intellectual property licensors and brand partners to align merchandise offerings
• Ensure effective communication and follow-up with all stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle

Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop team members while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and teamwork across departments and business units

Qualifications & Experience

• 8–10 years of experience in retail buying and product development
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
• Proven experience managing multiple merchandise categories
• Strong background in end-to-end product development and category management
• Experience working with suppliers, manufacturers, and vendor networks
• Experience managing budgets, gross profit targets, and open-to-buy processes

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen and analytical mindset
• Strategic thinker with excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and retail systems
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within theme parks, attractions, entertainment, or leisure industries
• Experience working with licensed brands and intellectual property (IP)
• Experience across GCC retail markets
• Additional language skills