Junior Category Development Manager - Dubai

Location

Dubai, AE

At Arla, we do so much more than make some of the world’s favorite dairy products. We make healthy taste delicious, mornings worth getting up for, and family dinners unforgettable. Puck, Lurpak, The Three Cows, Starbucks, and Castello Galaxy – names like these make us a vital, natural part of modern life in over 100 countries around the world. There are 1,200 employees in the Middle East and Africa and 19,000 global employees at the heart of our business. Every single one of us plays an important role and together we build on our 10bn Euros turnover and establish our position as one of the largest dairy companies in the world.

Join Our Team and Shape the Future of Dairy!

We’re looking for a dynamic and driven Junior Category Manager to join our team. In this role, you’ll co-lead strategic initiatives and independently manage select categories, helping shape the future of our portfolio through data-driven insights, shopper-centric execution, and cross-functional collaboration.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with early experience in FMCG or retail who’s ready to take ownership, grow their strategic thinking, and make a tangible impact from our Jebel Ali Office, Dubai.

Read more about our part of the business here Inside Arla | Arla.

How Will You Make An Impact.

• Define and localize medium to long-term growth drivers that resonate with the local customers, consumers and shoppers.
• Co-lead category development projects and own the strategy and execution for relevant categories.
• Co-lead the development and own market-level JTBDs, shaping the future of our category.
• Conduct market analysis to uncover new growth opportunities and inform strategic decisions.
• Deepen understanding of shopper behaviour and consumer trends to shape category plans and innovation proposals.
• Customize 4P category toolkits, trade decks, and NPD sell-ins to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
• Assist in the execution of Perfect Store methodology to enhance in-store visibility and channel performance.
• Collaborate and work hand in hand with NRM team to optimize pricing and promotions, driving profitable and sustainable growth.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of category initiatives, recommending adjustments as needed to achieve targets.
• Stay updated on industry developments, market trends, and competitor activities to identify potential threats and opportunities.
• Provide regular reports and presentations on category performance and insights to internal stakeholders.
  
  

What Will Make You Successful

• In-Depth Category Analysis Use the 4P’s framework to transform strategy into actionable plans, optimizing our market approach, and drive shopper centricity.
• Toolkit Localization Adapt regional NPD and category toolkits to reflect local market and channel dynamics, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
• Business Case Support Contribute to the development of bottom-up business cases that align with market needs and highlight growth opportunities.
• Promo Menu Creation Design targeted promotional menus by category and channel to enhance engagement and drive sustainable growth.
  
  

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking Ability to contribute to the future direction of categories in-store, with a strong grasp of how to support and expand market strategies.
• Professional Experience 2–4 years of experience in category management, sales, marketing, or commercial roles within FMCG or retail environments.
• Growth Mindset Proactively drive the business and commercial agenda to achieve strategic goals.
• Market Insight Solid understanding of market, channel, and shopper dynamics to leverage growth opportunities for Arla and the category.
• Creative Problem Solving Pragmatic and innovative approach to to overcoming challenges and driving category excellence.
• Analytical Expertise Competence in data analysis and insight generation using tools such as Nielsen, EPOS, or similar market data platforms.
  
  

What do we offer?

At Arla, we know that our success is driven by your growth. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where your ambition and ideas are truly valued. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to shape innovative solutions in a dynamic industry, contributing to Arla’s leadership in sustainability and the market. You’ll work alongside passionate colleagues in a team that embraces diversity, inclusion, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact.

Would you like to join us?

If you want to shape the future of dairy and drive category performance with a passionate team, please apply as soon as possible. We process applications on a continuous basis and will close the recruitment once the right candidate is found.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.

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Job Segment Category Manager, Merchandising, Retail