Panda
Category Development Manager - Private Label (Management)
- Permanent
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Experience 5 - 10 yrs
- Urgent
Job expiry date: 03/04/2026
Job overview
Date posted
17/02/2026
Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Salary
SAR 20,000 - 30,000 per month
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
5 - 10 yrs
Seniority
Manager
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
03/04/2026
Job description
Panda Retail Company is seeking a Category Development Manager for Private Label management in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The role is responsible for managing the end-to-end product development process for GNF products, from ideation to market launch, ensuring alignment with customer expectations, profitability, and quality standards. The position involves conducting market research, developing product proposals, supervising design, and identifying opportunities to introduce competitive products or enhance existing product lines. The manager will work closely with marketing, sales, operations, and procurement to drive product strategy, facilitate inventory turnover, improve production schedules, and optimize costs. Additionally, the role oversees packaging and innovation, quality assessment, and competitive benchmarking, ensuring high-quality private label products are delivered to consumers. The Category Development Manager also leads, coaches, and develops direct reports to maintain a high-performing team capable of delivering innovative solutions and supporting Panda’s strategic objectives.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage product development initiatives for GNF private label products, ensuring alignment with the overall product development strategy.
- Develop innovative products based on customer needs, market trends, and competitive analysis to drive revenue growth and market differentiation.
- Oversee the launch and relaunch of new private label products, ensuring timely approvals through established processes and committees.
- Support marketing and sales teams in defining product specifications, pricing, and promotional strategies.
- Evaluate and implement solutions to balance time, cost, and quality objectives throughout the product lifecycle.
- Conduct market research to determine customer needs and desires, and perform ROI analyses to guide product decisions.
- Manage category operations including process improvements, cost reduction initiatives, outsourcing programs, supplier management, and inventory optimization.
- Coordinate cross-functional planning for product introductions, including operations, advertising, and production schedules.
- Lead packaging and innovation efforts, reviewing product specifications, production costs, and assessing new product or packaging ideas.
- Ensure product quality by supporting technical packaging aspects, monitoring competitive benchmarking, and maintaining high standards in all GNF products.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for direct reports, fostering a culture of innovation and effective teamwork.
- Recruit, train, and develop product management staff to maintain a capable and motivated team.
Experience & skills
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Engineering.
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in product development, private label management, or related field within retail or FMCG.
- Proven experience in managing product lifecycle from ideation to market launch, including costing, ROI analysis, and quality assurance.
- Strong conflict management, negotiation, and influencing skills to drive cross-functional collaboration and supplier relationships.
- Business acumen with the ability to align product strategies with organizational objectives and market opportunities.
- Experience in leading teams, coaching, performance reviews, and developing direct reports.
- Ability to manage vision and purpose, build effective teams, and guide innovation within product categories.
- Knowledge of category management, inventory turnover optimization, production scheduling, and packaging innovation.