Category Specialist
Palomba General Trading LLC
Doha, Qatar
Full-time | On-site
About Palomba General Trading LLC
Palomba General Trading LLC is an international trading and business-development company headquartered in Dubai and operating across the GCC, Europe and selected international markets.
Our portfolio includes natural ingredients, botanical extracts, flavour systems, essential oils and specialised raw materials serving customers in the food, beverage, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and fragrance industries.
We are seeking a Category Specialist to support the commercial development and management of selected product categories across GCC markets.
The Role
The Category Specialist will analyse product categories, market opportunities, customer requirements and supplier portfolios to support sustainable commercial growth.
The position combines product knowledge, market analysis and commercial coordination and will work closely with Product, Sales, Procurement and international suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the management and development of assigned product categories.
- Analyse category sales, margins and commercial performance.
- Identify growth opportunities across customers and markets.
- Monitor relevant market and product trends.
- Analyse customer requirements within assigned categories.
- Support development of category plans and commercial priorities.
- Review supplier portfolios and identify potential product gaps.
- Coordinate product information with international manufacturers.
- Support introduction of new products within assigned categories.
- Prepare category presentations and commercial materials.
- Analyse pricing and positioning across relevant products.
- Support commercial teams during customer discussions.
- Monitor competitor products and market developments.
- Maintain accurate product and category information.
- Coordinate samples and product documentation when required.
- Prepare periodic category-performance reports.
- Collaborate with Sales, Procurement, Marketing and Product teams.
- Participate in selected supplier meetings, customer meetings and exhibitions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, International Business, Food Science, Pharmacy or a related discipline.
- 2–5 years of relevant experience in category management, product management, commercial analysis, procurement or B2B marketing.
- Strong analytical and commercial skills.
- Ability to understand product portfolios and customer requirements.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
- Excellent organisational abilities.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Strong presentation and communication skills.
- Experience with CRM or ERP systems is advantageous.
- Ability to coordinate effectively across multiple business functions.
Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following sectors will be considered an advantage:
- Food and beverage
- Food ingredients
- Nutraceuticals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics
- Flavours and fragrances
- Essential oils
- Specialty chemicals
- FMCG
- B2B distribution
Previous experience with international manufacturers or GCC markets is advantageous.
Arabic is useful but not mandatory.
Compensation & Benefits
QAR 15,000 – 20,000 per month, depending on relevant experience and qualifications.
The compensation package may also include:
- Annual performance bonus
- Private medical insurance
- Paid annual leave
- Annual flight allowance
- Professional development opportunities
- Employment and visa support where legally applicable
What We Offer
- Responsibility for international product categories.
- Exposure to customers and suppliers across GCC markets.
- Direct collaboration with Product, Commercial and Procurement teams.
- Participation in new-product and category-development projects.
- International and multicultural working environment.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Career progression toward Senior Category Specialist, Category Manager or Product Manager.
Application
Candidates should submit an updated CV in English outlining relevant experience in:
- category or product management;
- commercial analysis;
- product portfolios;
- supplier or customer coordination;
- relevant B2B or consumer industries.
Applicants should also indicate:
- Current location
- Notice period
- Earliest availability
- Expected salary
Only candidates whose professional experience is reasonably aligned with the position will be contacted.
Palomba General Trading LLC evaluates candidates according to professional experience, skills and qualifications.