MOHAMMED ALI AHSAN
Riyadh
Summary
Results-driven Category & Merchandise Manager with over 20+ years of experience in Grocery, DPH, Dairy, Frozen, and Household categories across leading retail chains including Carrefour and NANA Saudi Arabia. Proven expertise in assortment planning, pricing strategy, promotions, and supplier negotiations to drive sales growth, margin improvement, and customer satisfaction. Highly skilled in SAP, Power BI, Excel, and data-driven analytics, with a strong track record in forecasting, inventory management, and KPI reporting. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, optimizing category performance, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and business profitability.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Category Manager – Frozen
NANA
Riyadh
01.2024 - 08.2025
- Achieved 25% month-over-month and 34% year-over-year growth on 22 million SAR frozen sales.
- Enhanced profit margins by 5% through strategic portfolio management and vendor collaboration.
- Conducted comprehensive spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Developed innovative pricing strategies to boost profitability.
- Streamlined procurement operations, simplifying vendor management processes.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align business objectives with category strategies.
- Fostered strong supplier relationships, improving negotiation outcomes.
Category Manager - Dairy & Fruits & Vegetables
NANA
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Established partnerships with over eight vendors in Fruits & Vegetables and more than 15 in Fresh & Dairy, successfully transitioning payment methods from cash to credit.
- Reduced waste by 30% through enhanced stock rotation and improved storage practices.
- Negotiated contracts with local and international suppliers to secure high-quality produce availability.
- Analysed sales data to refine product mix, forecast demand, and maximise profit margins.
- Collaborated with merchandising, marketing, and operations teams to implement category initiatives effectively.
- Developed comprehensive seasonal and annual category plans aligned with market trends and promotional strategies.
Category Manager - DPH & Non-Food (Household)
NANA
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Launched new product categories across multiple store formats, enhancing market share and customer engagement.
- Increased vendor partnerships by 10 in DPH and introduced diverse NON-FOOD offerings, boosting customer acquisition by 10%.
- Developed a foundational strategy for DPH and NON-FOOD categories to facilitate growth.
- Utilised data analytics to anticipate seasonal demand, optimise stock replenishment, and prevent stockouts.
- Implemented impactful marketing campaigns and dynamic pricing strategies to elevate conversion rates and average basket size.
- Designed comprehensive roadmaps for DPH and household categories, driving sales and profitability while enhancing customer loyalty.
Merchandise Manager
MAF Carrefour
Riyadh
04.2019 - 06.2021
- Oversaw DPH categories for stores across KSA, encompassing purchasing, negotiations, and category analysis.
- Developed store layouts and product placements to enhance visibility and encourage impulse purchases.
- Drove growth of Carrefour’s own-brand portfolio, ensuring quality and cost efficiency.
- Collaborated with regional and international buying teams to optimise global sourcing opportunities.
- Implemented KPIs to monitor supplier delivery, quality, and service levels with improvement initiatives.
- Supported launch planning, stock builds, and merchandising execution for new Carrefour locations.
Grocery Section Manager
MAF Carrefour
Riyadh
01.2015 - 02.2019
- Managed grocery section end-to-end, including assortment planning and inventory management.
- Directed daily operations to ensure stock availability and adherence to quality standards.
- Developed planograms and shelf layouts to optimise sales performance.
- Coordinated with suppliers for timely replenishment and negotiated favourable terms.
- Trained team members to enhance customer service delivery.
Dph & Grocery Section Manager
MAF Carrefour
Riyadh/Khobar
11.2011 - 12.2014
- Received 'Best Employee Award' for effective end-to-end management of multiple store sections.
- Managed daily operations for Dry, Packaged, and Household categories, including core grocery lines.
- Ensured compliance with quality, hygiene, and safety standards across all assigned sections.
- Coordinated price changes, promotions, and bulk offers in partnership with marketing.
Dairy & Frozen Section Manager
MAF Carrefour
Riyadh
01.2004 - 10.2010
- Achieved all sales targets consistently by managing store sections effectively.
- Oversaw daily operations for dairy, frozen foods, and ice cream categories.
- Maintained product displays and planograms to uphold freshness standards.
- Monitored sales trends, adjusting stock levels to meet customer demand.
- Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries and promotional activities.
- Trained and supervised section staff on customer service and hygiene protocols.
Education
PRE-GRADUATE - Science
National University (Titumir College)
01.2001 - 01.2004
HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL - Science
Dr. Zahrul Kamal Degree College
01.1999 - 01.2001
SECONDARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE - Science
Huikhali Bangla High School
01.1995 - 01.1999
Skills
- Category & merchandise management
- SAP, Power BI, Excel (advanced)
- Forecasting, sales & margin analysis
- Inventory & stock control, supply chain coordination
- Team leadership & vendor management
- Negotiation and supplier management
- Inventory management
- Project management
- Customer service excellence
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Forecasting and KPI reporting
- Team leadership and vendor performance
Websites
LNGG
English
Hindi
Urdu
Arabic
Bangladeshi
Training
- BDA (Business Development Agreement) Vendor Management
- Planogram Management
- Stock Management
- Hygiene Control Customer Satisfaction
Disclaimer
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Recruiter Comments
Mohammed Ali Ahsan is an experienced Category Manager currently working at Nana Online (Q Com), reporting to the Commercial Manager. With nearly four years at the company, he has successfully led a team of up to 18 members and managed a wide range of FMCG categories, including Fresh Food (Dairy, Poultry, Fruits & Vegetables), Water & Beverages, Frozen Food, Grocery (Sweet & Salt), and DPH (Detergents, Personal Hygiene). He previously served as a Section Manager for FMCG Grocery. Mohammed has delivered notable sales achievements, including a 34% sales increase and 5% improvement in profitability over the last year. He is certified in BDA Management, Basic Hygiene, and has been recognized as Best Employee at Nana. Seeking a new challenge and better growth opportunities, he is now looking for a role that offers a new environment.
Timeline
Category Manager – Frozen
NANA
01.2024 - 08.2025
Category Manager - Dairy & Fruits & Vegetables
NANA
07.2022 - 12.2023
Category Manager - DPH & Non-Food (Household)
NANA
08.2021 - 06.2022
Merchandise Manager
MAF Carrefour
04.2019 - 06.2021
Grocery Section Manager
MAF Carrefour
01.2015 - 02.2019
Dph & Grocery Section Manager
MAF Carrefour
11.2011 - 12.2014
Dairy & Frozen Section Manager
MAF Carrefour
01.2004 - 10.2010
PRE-GRADUATE - Science
National University (Titumir College)
01.2001 - 01.2004
HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL - Science
Dr. Zahrul Kamal Degree College
01.1999 - 01.2001
SECONDARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE - Science
Huikhali Bangla High School
01.1995 - 01.1999
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