Category Manager - New Initiatives

About This Role

Company Description

Talabat is part of the Delivery Hero Group, the world’s pioneering local delivery platform, our mission is to deliver an amazing experience—fast, easy, and to your door. We operate in around 65 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Delivery Hero has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2017 and is part of the MDAX stock market index.

Job Description Role Summary

We’re looking for a Category Manager to join the team and focus on growing our own Grocery Store “tMart”, which is the region’s first cloud store concept offering 30-minute delivery of groceries at hypermarket prices. The service has expanded rapidly across Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Oman and Iraq!

WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE?

• Innovative SKU Onboarding:

  • Scout and onboard unique and innovative SKUs that align with market demand and our strategic priorities.
  • Build a pipeline of emerging products and niche offerings, diversifying our catalog and improving customer acquisition and retention.

• Strategic Partnerships:

  • Identify and develop strategic partnerships with key players in the grocery, FMCG, and food tech industries.
  • Negotiate terms and establish long-term collaborations with local and international brands to enhance our product range and market reach.

• Supplier Collaboration & Product Development:

  • Work closely with suppliers to co-develop exclusive products and packaging that cater to current and future customer preferences.
  • Drive initiatives with suppliers that contribute to product differentiation and align with our sustainability and innovation goals.

• Market & Trend Analysis:

  • Conduct regular market research to stay ahead of global consumer trends, identifying potential product opportunities and category expansions.
  • Develop and present recommendations on product innovations and emerging trends to internal teams, influencing assortment strategy.

• Innovation Pipeline Management:

  • Lead the development and management of a product innovation pipeline, ensuring a steady flow of new offerings that resonate with our target audience.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, category management, and operations to ensure successful product launches.

• Performance Tracking & Optimization:

  • Monitor the performance of onboarded SKUs and partnerships, leveraging data insights to refine strategies and achieve optimal sales and profitability.
  • Optimize supplier agreements and product pricing to maintain competitive advantage while ensuring profitability.

• Innovative SKU Onboarding:

  • Scout and onboard unique and innovative SKUs that align with market demand and our strategic priorities.
  • Build a pipeline of emerging products and niche offerings, diversifying our catalog and improving customer acquisition and retention.

Qualifications What Did We Order?

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, preferably within the FMCG, retail, or online grocery sector.
• Proven track record in onboarding new products and managing strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and e-commerce dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Analytical mindset with experience in using data to drive business decisions.