Open To Work
Zubair Ahmed
Dubai
Work Preference
Summary
Business development leader with extensive experience at Danube Home, specializing in e-commerce growth and category expansion. Proven expertise in brand portfolio management and supplier negotiations, resulting in double-digit sales growth. Skilled in cross-functional leadership and strategic partnerships, enhancing market presence and optimizing product offerings.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Partner & Business Development Manager
Décor's Wing
Dubai
01.2025 - Current
- Spearheaded GCC and international market expansion for premium metal planters, enhancing brand visibility and revenue across retail, B2B, and project channels.
- Formulated and executed market-entry strategies targeting indoor, outdoor, landscape, and hospitality segments.
- Cultivated and managed strategic partnerships with distributors, garden centers, landscape companies, interior designers, and major retailers to strengthen market presence.
- Collaborated with manufacturing teams in India to design trend-driven planter collections aligned with regional décor preferences.
- Negotiated pricing, contracts, and long-term supply agreements to ensure strong margins and competitive positioning.
Senior Purchase Manager
Speedex Tools & Hardware Superstores
Dubai
05.2023 - 12.2024
- Oversaw category expansion and procurement for homeware and lifestyle, aligning with market trends.
- Negotiated vendor terms, resulting in 10-12% annual cost savings and 20% faster delivery.
- Implemented OTB inventory planning, reducing overstock by 20% while maintaining 98% product availability.
- Expanded assortments with trend-driven SKUs, achieving a 25% increase in category sales.
E-Commerce Marketplace Lead
Danube Home
Dubai
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Directed growth strategy for household and lifestyle categories across major platforms.
- Achieved twofold increase in online sales through strategic pricing, promotions, and digital merchandising.
- Enhanced product lifecycle management with enriched content and customer reviews, increasing conversion rates.
- Strengthened partnerships with marketplaces to secure premium brand placements and enhance competitiveness.
Senior Category Manager - Houseware
Danube Home
Dubai
06.2015 - 12.2021
- Scaled homeware from launch to AED 17M+ annual revenue, managing full P&L.
- Forged exclusive global supplier agreements (China, India, Turkey, Europe), improving margins.
- Delivered 25% YoY growth through strategic pricing, promotions, and marketing initiatives.
- Improved supplier KPIs: on-time delivery up 15% and return rates were reduced significantly.
- Enhanced brand visibility and performance through seasonal campaigns (+30% sales lift).
Category Manager - Buying & Operations
Danube Home
Riyadh
01.2014 - 05.2015
Business Development Manager
Mumzworld.com
Riyadh
03.2013 - 12.2013
Category Manager
Souq.com (Amazon)
Riyadh
01.2011 - 12.2013
Senior Buyer
Emax (Landmark Group)
Riyadh
01.2009 - 12.2011
Section Manager
Geant Hypermarket (Casino Group)
Riyadh
01.2005 - 12.2009
Store & Team Leadership Roles
Geant & Nifty Stores
Riyadh
01.2001 - 12.2005
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Gulbarga
IndiaSkills
- Brand portfolio management
- Sales forecasting and budgeting
- Category management and P&L ownership
- Business planning and strategy
- Product lifecycle management
- Pricing strategy and benchmarking
- E-commerce and omnichannel growth
- Travel retail operations
- Supplier negotiations and sourcing
- Retail merchandising and design
- Cross-functional leadership
Languages
- Hindi
- Arabic
- English, Fluent
- Hindi, Fluent
- Arabic, Professional
Personal Information
- Title: Senior Category Manager | Retail & E-Commerce Leader | Brand & Growth Strategist
- Nationality: Indian
- Driving License: Valid UAE License
Mobility
Available for regional and international travel (trade fairs, vendor meetings, brand launches)
Visa Status
UAE Resident Visa
Timeline
Strategic Partner & Business Development Manager
Décor's Wing
01.2025 - Current
Senior Purchase Manager
Speedex Tools & Hardware Superstores
05.2023 - 12.2024
E-Commerce Marketplace Lead
Danube Home
01.2022 - 02.2023
Senior Category Manager - Houseware
Danube Home
06.2015 - 12.2021
Category Manager - Buying & Operations
Danube Home
01.2014 - 05.2015
Business Development Manager
Mumzworld.com
03.2013 - 12.2013
Category Manager
Souq.com (Amazon)
01.2011 - 12.2013
Senior Buyer
Emax (Landmark Group)
01.2009 - 12.2011
Section Manager
Geant Hypermarket (Casino Group)
01.2005 - 12.2009
Store & Team Leadership Roles
Geant & Nifty Stores
01.2001 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Gulbarga