Category Manager

Miral Experiences is a region’s leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. Our diverse portfolio includes some of the most iconic entertainment and leisure destinations, including 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, and TeamLab. Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan. We specialize in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery. Our attractions are designed to ignite the imagination and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world. Whether you're seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, we offer something for everyone.

Job Summary

Join Miral Experiences, the fastest-growing theme park operator in the Middle East, and take ownership of driving retail product innovation for iconic destinations such as Warner Brothers World Yas Island, SeaWorld Yas Island, Ferrari World Yas Island, and Yas Water World. As a Category Manager, you will report to a Senior Retail Buyer and be accountable for the end-to-end development and execution of assigned product categories across our expanding estate. Your leadership will ensure competitive retail offerings while collaborating with cross-functional teams—including Merchandise Planning, Testing & Compliance, and shared services—to deliver profitable, customer-centric solutions. With a balance of analytical rigor and creative strategy, you will shape the future of retail experiences in the GCC’s thriving entertainment sector.

Responsibilities

Product Development

• Own and develop category strategies, negotiate with suppliers/vendors, and evaluate pricing, quality, and sourcing options for optimal product performance.
• Collaborate with Merchandise Planning to align buy plans and intake timelines for new/renewal products across all business units.
• Ensure strict compliance with UAE regulations by working closely with Testing and Compliance on robust audit and product verification processes.
• Maintain product taxonomy and reporting structures to enhance categorization and analytics capabilities.
• Drive new item creation, pricing standards, and PO processing while ensuring alignment with vendor management protocols.
  
  

Team

• Foster a collaborative culture by proactively partnering with internal and external stakeholders to drive category success and support day-to-day operational tasks.
  
  

Financial

• Partner with Merchandise Planning to safeguard category budgets, monitor COGS, freight costs, and GP margins, and report performance across business units.
• Analyze stock/sales trends to inform inventory decisions, reduce slow-moving stock, and optimize terminal clearance strategies.
  
  

Strategic

• Lead market trend analysis and identify innovative sourcing opportunities to maintain category competitiveness.
• Align with internal teams to develop events, activations, and Annual Pass initiatives that drive engagement and revenue growth.
• Collaborate with leadership to set category growth KPIs and ensure strategic objectives are achieved.
  
  

Stakeholder Management

• Build and sustain strong relationships with IP holders, partners, and external vendors to deliver aligned product offerings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal/external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and follow-through on critical initiatives.
  
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
• 7+ years in retail buying and product development, with preference for theme park/attraction industry experience.
• Proven decision-making and problem-solving capabilities in fast-paced environments.
• End-to-end product development experience, including vendor management and data-driven analysis.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with strong communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, POS systems, retail inventory, and finance software.
• Knowledge of departmental budgeting, P&L management, and open-to-buy strategies.
• Adaptability to thrive in dynamic environments with evolving priorities.
• Strong multitasking abilities to manage multiple deadlines in high-pressure settings.
• Leadership skills with a proactive and collaborative mindset.
  
  

Desirable

• 10+ years in retail buying and product development, with expertise in GCC brands and license/IP management.
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English.
• Experience developing retail products for theme parks or high-volume entertainment venues.
  
  

Shape The Future With Us

At Miral Experiences, we don’t just create world-class destinations - we create unforgettable memories for our guests and remarkable careers for our people.

From theme parks and attractions to guest services and behind-the-scenes roles, every member of our team plays a part in delivering exceptional experiences. We’re driven by passion, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence in everything we do.

We’re looking for passionate, driven, and talented individuals who are ready to grow, lead, and make a difference. No matter your background or expertise, there's a place for you at Miral Experiences.