Category Manager - Food

About the role

The Category Manager – Food will lead the planning, strategy and performance of staple food categories such as rice, flour, cooking oil and grains. Reporting to senior leadership, you will shape the product portfolio, drive profitability and build strong supplier relationships across Saudi Arabia.

Key responsibilities

• Develop business plans, yearly budgets and sales targets for the food category.
• Identify, negotiate and maintain long‑term partnerships with distributors, wholesalers and new suppliers.
• Set pricing, monitor margins and adjust strategies to maximise category profitability.
• Analyse category and product performance, track competition and market trends.
• Define product positioning, visibility strategies and exit plans for under‑performing items.
• Collaborate with buyers and merchandisers to expand and optimise the product assortment.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in marketing, supply‑chain management, food science or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in food procurement or category management, preferably in FMCG or retail.
• Strong understanding of market trends, supply‑chain systems and category management methods.
• Excellent negotiation, data‑analysis and market‑insight capabilities.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, lead teams and drive business results.

Required skills

• Category management methods
• Supply chain systems
• Food procurement
• Data analysis tools
• Microsoft Office suite