Job Description

THE ROLE & THE TEAM

As a Category Planning Lead, you work with your Buying counterpart to define the strategy for your cluster(s), contributing directly to the overall achievement of the Zalando Group Strategy. You are accountable for defining the financial KPI plan reflective of your strategy, leading your team and our partners in order to deliver their targets. This maternity cover is planned until 30.06.2027

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. And this vision starts with our hiring - we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. You are welcome to leave out your picture, age, or marital status from your application. We only assess candidates on their qualifications and merit.

We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support you throughout the hiring process.

do.BETTER - our diversity & inclusion strategy: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/dobetter-our-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy

Our employee resource groups: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/our-employee-resource-groups

WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)

• Be accountable for a cluster(s) that contributes significantly to the revenues and strategy of Zalando. Lead your team autonomously to define and deliver the financial KPI plans, adapting accordingly to the changing business climate and company expectations.

• Work alongside your buying counterpart(s) to develop the long-term strategy for your business area. Use a collaborative approach with your constantly evolving stakeholder network to ensure cross-functional projects and strategies are delivered.

• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team. Coach and empower your senior team members to enable them to be strong leaders, and cultivate a team culture that promotes open feedback and learning from each other.

• Play a role in shaping the Merchandise Planning Job Family and community, setting standards, and defining future ways of working. Make a positive impact on the wider community through knowledge and best practice sharing, mentorship, and contribution to projects in your business unit.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF

• You hold a Bachelor's degree in Business or a comparable field. You are a business leader with at least 7 years of experience working in Merchandise Planning or a commercially facing analytical role. You have demonstrated total accountability in leading numerous end-to-end planning cycles, across diverse product areas, ideally at an eCommerce retailer. You have worked with various merchandising software packages and you are comfortable with analysis and excel at an advanced level.

• You have proven experience developing and implementing new initiatives, processes and/or tools, always looking to drive further improvements for the team and the business unit.

• You are a strong leader. You have significant experience leading a large team, providing direction, and ensuring team health and motivation in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You are excited to add to best practice and contribute towards the future of merchandise planning at Zalando.

• You are able to manage numerous, diverse stakeholders and use your communication skills to convey complex topics, and influence senior internal or external audiences.

• Motivated and comfortable to work in an ever-changing environment, you are solution-oriented and you enjoy working in a dynamic, pacey business. You are a true entrepreneur and love to take decisions. You enjoy sitting in the driver’s seat and feel comfortable taking over ownership and accountability.

OUR OFFER

Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.

• Employee shares program

• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners

• 2 paid volunteering days a year

• Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration

• Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year

• 27 days of vacation a year to start

• Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)

• Family services, including counseling and support

• Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)

• Mental health support and coaching available

• Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review