Channel & Category Development Manager - Offline Channels | Gulf & Arab Countries

As a Channel & Category Development Manager for Offline Channels in the Gulf & Arab Countries (GAC), you will define and shape category and channel strategies across markets, adapting them to local conditions and customer needs. You will partner with cross-functional teams to strengthen trade marketing effectiveness, driving sustainable sales and profitability through shopper-led insights and scalable best practices.

CATEGORY STRATEGIES & PLANS

Responsible for monitoring and analyzing trade, competitor, and shopper market data related to the assigned Channel/Category to identify business opportunities and drive category development plans. This includes developing innovative tactics to support retailers in meeting shopper needs through Trade Category Management initiatives, as well as defining the Category Vision for retailers based on shopper and insight-led rationale. The role also involves developing effective medium- and long-term local strategies in line with Ferrero Group marketing guidelines, implementing cross-brand and cross-category integrated programs with retailers, and establishing My Perfect Store channel and customer strategies and KPIs.

CHANNEL STRATEGIES & PLANS

Accountable for developing channel strategy blueprints across both Modern and Traditional Trade, with the objective of maximizing business development and profitability. Ensures the execution of channel and customer performance and potential analysis, while supporting Local Trade Marketing by providing strong rationale and argumentation to facilitate the development of joint business plans.

PATH TO PURCHACE STRATEGY

Responsible for developing a multi-touchpoint strategy leveraging occasion-based marketing to support brand growth, while defining clear placement guidelines across shelves, checkouts, and permanent secondary placements to ensure optimal in-store execution.

BUDGET MANAGEMENT

Ensures that all proposed activities and strategies are sustainable and supported by pre- and post-ROI analysis, while maintaining proper budget management in line with overall business objectives.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT:

Accountable for managing assigned team members through a management approach aligned with Group values, with a focus on motivation, competence development, and empowerment.

The ideal candidate must have 7-10 years' experience, with strong expertise, in category management across Modern and Traditional Trade within the FMCG industry.

Demonstrated expertise in identifying shopper insights and building an action plan to deliver sustainable category growth is essential, along with a solid background as a Category Manager or in a similar role. A comprehensive understanding of category management, marketing, and sales principles is required, supported by strong knowledge of data analysis and forecasting techniques.

Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, is required, with the ability to manage large data sets, generate actionable insights, and deliver impactful presentations. A strong analytical mindset, strategic thinking capabilities, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also essential.

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Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
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