Category Manager (Single Malt) - MMI, based in Dubai

Category Manager (Single Malt) responsible for developing and implementing brand plans for key single malt agencies including whilst managing a portfolio of over 30 brands and 200 individual products. Grow and develop the single malt category across Retail, On Trade, Le Clos and international channel. Responsible for managing the inventory and refreshing the portfolio in line with consumer demand, whilst shaping demand via multiple channel marketing initiatives. Ideally you will need to have good working knowledge of On-trade, Retail and Distribution channels and a solid knowledge of single malt whisky as a product.

Key Responsibilities 

Trade Marketing - Key-Image bars, restaurants and nightclubs

• Support internal sales team with structured marketing initiatives to drive lead brands across varied outlet segments. Create specific promotional initiatives to target competitive set, develop partner bar relationships, foster bartender community around single malt culture

Retail Initiatives

• Develop promotional mechanics and implement across domestic and tax free retail channels. Set visibility and branding guidelines, develop and manage sales incentives, drive footfall via consumer engagement

Ambassador Activities

• Regular bartender engagement, management of our Single Malt Society communications and ongoing consumer engagement via commercially justifiable mentoring programs. Must be confident in presenting single malts to consumer groups in an engaging and informative manor.
• Regular training of internal and external staff in all elements of single malt whisky production and key brands

Review of Key Performance Indicators 

• Develop and monitor brand activation plans aligned with the portfolio and distribution objectives
• Ensure thorough implementation of brand programs in Dubai on-trade within Key-Image bars, restaurants & nightclubs
• Build relationship with Key Trade Opinion Leaders (Bar tenders, F+B Operators & Wine Specialists).
• Support on-trade team in contract negotiations to ensure volume, listings and visibility targets are met
• Ensure day-to-day continuous support of the Sales team for all trade requirements
• Develop a community of brand advocates within key consumer groups via regular mentoring initiatives
• Develop retail plan and ensure correct implementation to continue grow volume while protecting margins
• Manage point of sale stocks supplies across the single malt portfolio

Essential:

• Excellent knowledge of single malt whisky, including production methods and key brand differences 
• Thorough understanding of on-trade and retail business
• Excellent sales, negotiation and relationship management skills (internal and external)
• Clear communicator with strong presentation skills and understanding of audience
• Effective problem solver and decision maker
• Effective understanding of single malt brand positioning with high level of attention to detail
• Excellent reporting skills, ability to clearly communicate goals and measure progress against them

 Desirable:

• Degree Educated
• Wine Spirits Trust Qualifications 

Career Opportunities 

We offers many exciting careers across our teams and international territories, resulting in a fruitful and rewarding career.

We are passionate about the development of our own people and have a proud track record of providing opportunities for individuals to develop in their existing roles, progress into more senior positions and ultimately reach their maximum potential.

We offer competitive salary packages that are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriately competitive. Individual salaries are adjusted to reflect individual performance, which is consistent with our pay for performance culture.