At Farah we thrive on seeing happy guests, colleagues and partners. We believe that each individual that we meet is important, and that we can make a positive difference to their lives. Our purpose is to create happiness…one smile at a time.
The Product Category Manager is responsible for providing guidance and direction for specific product category/categories for park retail purchases. This person determines what products the park should sell in the assigned product category/categories. Negotiate the best prices, ensure timely deliveries, and manage inventory levels, maximizing sell-through and profit margin. In addition to specific park retail responsibilities, this position will plan, develop and purchase the product assortments for Farah projects in their categories of responsibility.
- Must negotiate with suppliers to get the best costs to the operation and at the same time ensure that they can fulfill the merchandise requirements in a timely fashion, while maintaining a high-quality product.
- This person will be closely collaborating with the Merchandise Manager to develop new and innovative products, product collections, and high quality guest presentations.
- The Product Category Manager will work closely with other members of the retail merchandise team to better understand and effectively manage team-based and individual goals and business philosophies while maintaining high levels of facility quality and guest satisfaction.
- Responsible for the management of retail inventories and budgets within his/her respective product categories to ensure the park meets all established financial goals.
- Studies guest’s needs and identifies trends in the marketplace.
- To actively demonstrate a strong personal commitment to the business vision. Shows an entrepreneurial mindset that helps the organization evolve, innovate, and remain as leading edge and effective as possible.
- Responsible for achieving product approvals as mandated on Farah projects.
- Occasional travel to vendors/suppliers and /or trade shows.
- Achieve a competency with the retail information system platform.
- Read, understand and generate sales and inventory reporting.
- Produce product presentations for senior management for seasonal product deliveries.
- Communicate merchandising strategy to merchandise operations and visual merchandising teams.
- To attend training and development programs in order to promote personal and career growth.
- To implement strategic inventory management process for the department.
- To create and deliver job specific training and competency testing to colleagues or nominate them for training in order to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude to perform their job effectively and deliver out of this world experiences.
- To conduct colleague performance appraisals in a timely, fair and constructive manner in order to promote their personal and career growth.
- To coach and discipline colleagues in a fair and consistent manner in order to motivate and improve performance.
- To communicate relevant information with colleagues in order to improve internal communication within the department and company.
- To comply with internal standards at all times in order to drive and improve business excellence through monitoring, measuring, analyzing performance and taking corrective or preventative action.
- To understand, follow and enforce all Farah standard operating procedures in order to exceed the operational requirements and ensure guests receive the highest standards of quality and service at all times.
- To enforce and adhere to all UAE laws, health, safety & environmental policies, industry and company rules and regulations, reporting any safety concerns or incidents to management in order to minimize risk and maintain a clean, safe and hygienic environment for all guests and colleagues.
- To represent and promote Farah in a positive manner at all times in order to maintain a professional brand image to all concerned stakeholders.
- To listen actively and respond to guest feedback as well as assess and review guest satisfaction index results and trends in order to continuously improve and exceed guest expectations.
- Performs other reasonable duties as requested by senior management.
Qualifications As an ideal candidate, you must have:
- High School Diploma or equivalent. College degree or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 3 years retail product merchandising leadership experience in theme parks/hospitality/resorts/retail organizations
- Possess a fundamental understanding of retail theories and standards, product design and packaging, product sourcing and delivery, contract negotiation, product inventory control, product display, and product pricing and sales
- Knowledge and understanding of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, POS systems, retail inventory control and finance software
- Proficiency in writing, speaking, and understanding the English language
- Ability to monitor and identify problems proactively. Understanding of how best to utilize all resources available to quickly and effectively solve problems as they occur and with a strong sense of urgency
- Stays current on new retail trends, technologies, and processes emerging in the industry and proactively works to develop new products and services that will improve profits through increased operational efficiency and/or improved guest satisfaction
- Negotiation skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Multitasking skills - Ability to work in a fast paced, fun, and busy environment managing multiple deadlines
- Knowledge on department budgeting, P&L, and open-to-buy development
Interested in this position? Apply now!
