Eyewear Category Manager – MEA

Eyewear Category Manager – MEA ZEISS is technology and innovation. Founded in Germany in 1846, ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries across 50 countries. As a company wholly owned by a foundation, ZEISS is committed to responsibility in all its activities. As a pioneer in scientific optics, our employees across the globe continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, ZEISS creates value for its customers and helps shape new ways of seeing the world. We're looking for an Eyewear Category Manager – MEA to join us in DubaiAs part of ZEISS Vision Care MEA, you will play a key role in developing the Eyewear category across the region, initially focusing on frames. Your RoleAs Eyewear Category Manager – MEA, you will be responsible for launching, structuring and developing the Eyewear category across the MEA region, initially focusing on frames. You will work across markets and functions to build a scalable business that strengthens our customer offering and supports the growth of ZEISS lens sales. The role will play an important part in building a scalable and profitable Eyewear business, strengthening ZEISS' position with customers and partners, and supporting growth of the complete spectacle proposition. You will translate regional market opportunities into clear category plans, partnerships and commercial initiatives, while ensuring alignment with global and regional ZEISS teams. The role of Eyewear Category Manager – MEA will involve: Develop and execute the Eyewear category strategy across MEA.
Build and manage the frames portfolio and third-party partnerships. Develop route-to-market strategies and expand distributor, ECP and key account networks. Lead commercial negotiations, joint business plans and partner development. Drive category growth, profitability, distribution and lens attachment. Lead launches and commercial activation across markets and channels. Monitor performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, Supply Chain and Operations teams. Your ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commercial Management or a related field. Strong experience in category management, commercial leadership, business development or channel management. Proven experience launching and scaling categories or portfolios across multiple markets. Experience working with distributors, key accounts and professional partners. Strong commercial negotiation and route-to-market experience, including joint business planning. Experience with category launches, merchandising and partner activation. International, multi-country experience. Strong analytical, commercial and stakeholder management skills. Ability to translate strategy into practical commercial execution. Entrepreneurial mindset with strong ownership and a results-oriented approach. It would be desirable if you had: Experience in optical, eyewear, medical devices or premium consumer goods. Strong knowledge of the MEA market. Experience building distributor and ECP networks. An MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification. Arabic language skills. Your BenefitsThe opportunity to shape and develop a growing regional category. High visibility and exposure across MEA and the wider ZEISS organization. Close collaboration with regional and global teams. The opportunity to directly influence business growth and customer development. Hybrid working model with frequent regional and international travel. Role DetailsLocation: Dubai, UAERegion: Middle East & AfricaWorking Model: HybridTravel: Frequent regional and international travelDiversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.