Category Manager - Greeting Cards & Gifting

Overview

Share the Love is a UAE-based gifting company with a strong presence across the GCC. Its product range covers greeting cards, gift accessories, personalised gifts, gift wrap, party supplies, and print-on-demand products. The business sells through major retail chains, online marketplaces, and its own websites in the UAE and wider GCC.

The company is seeking a commercially driven Category Manager to support the growth of its Greeting Cards & Gifting portfolio. This position can be arranged as either full-time or part-time, depending on the candidate’s background and availability.

Role Summary

In this role, you will take ownership of the category strategy and product range, ensuring the collections are appealing to customers while also delivering strong commercial outcomes. You will work closely with design and production teams and oversee the product journey from early concept through to launch and ongoing performance management.

Category Strategy

• Create and implement growth plans for greeting cards, gift accessories, and related gifting lines.
• Spot new product ideas, market trends, and seasonal collection opportunities.
• Assess sales results and suggest actions to improve revenue and margins.
• Develop category roadmaps and calendars for seasonal launches.

Product Development

• Track and manage product sales across retail stores.
• Write clear briefs for designers on new concepts and collections.
• Develop exclusive assortments suited to customers in the UAE and GCC.
• Set product specifications, pricing, and market positioning.

Visual Merchandising & Supplier Management

• Ensure store displays remain attractive and effective in driving sales.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with both current and prospective suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities, payment terms, and lead times.
• Oversee supplier quality and performance.
• Coordinate sample reviews and product approvals.

Commercial & Analytics

• Review sales, margins, stock levels, and customer feedback to guide decisions.
• Manage pricing approaches across retail and marketplace channels.
• Recommend promotional and seasonal campaigns.
• Prepare recurring reports on category performance.

Inventory & Operations

• Work with operations and purchasing teams to forecast demand accurately.
• Help reduce stock shortages and excess inventory.
• Support new product launches and replenishment planning.

Market Research

• Monitor competitor activity and wider industry developments.
• Research greeting card and gifting trends in international markets.
• Identify new opportunities across the GCC region.

Requirements

Applicants should bring at least 3 years of experience in category management, buying, merchandising, or product management. The role calls for strong commercial awareness, analytical thinking, and proven experience in sourcing products and negotiating with suppliers. Advanced Excel skills and solid data analysis ability are important, along with the capacity to juggle several projects at once. Strong communication and organisational skills are also essential.

Useful background includes experience in greeting cards, gifting, stationery, party supplies, home décor, or FMCG. Familiarity with Shopify, Amazon, Noon, or retail sales channels is desirable, as is an understanding of UAE and GCC retail markets.

Key Success Measures

• Growth in category sales
• Improvement in gross margin
• Successful product introductions
• High stock availability
• Better inventory turnover
• Strong supplier performance
• Healthy new product development pipeline

What We Offer

• The chance to influence one of the region’s rapidly growing gifting brands.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities for career growth.
• Exposure to eCommerce, retail, and international expansion.
• A competitive salary, depending on experience.

Application Note

Interested candidates should submit a CV along with a short introduction describing their relevant category management experience.