Senior Category Manager Authentic Heritage maternity Cover (all genders)

Heritage isnt just a category its a cultural conversation and you know how to speak it fluently. As a Senior Category Manager in our Heritage unit youll own a portfolio of one of the most strategically significant brands on Zalandos platform shaping the assortments that define what fashion customers discover next. This maternity cover is until 31.08.2027.

Youll take full ownership of your brand portfolio developing and executing categories and buying strategies - that balance creative instinct with commercial precision. From assortment selection and seasonal planning through to in-season trading youll steer your business area with autonomy always keeping the customer perspective and platform targets at the centre of every decision.

Working closely with your unit lead Merchandising counterparts and platform teams youll translate Business Cluster targets and strategies into a brand-level strategy that delivers real impact both in the current season and beyond. Youll bring functional leadership to the category team within your unit acting as a coach and role model for peers while actively contributing to the broader Heritage cluster strategy.

Beyond the numbers youll build and maintain trusted relationships with brands and internal stakeholders at all levels driving mutually beneficial partnerships through clear communication and sharp negotiation. When complex challenges arise operationally strategically or financially youll tackle them independently using data to identify opportunities and inform decisions.

If you think you have what it takes we encourage you to apply even if you dont meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

At Zalando our vision is to be the leading pan-European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e-commerce one that thrives on diversity and is truly inclusive by design. We believe that diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity and we actively seek out talent from all backgrounds.

We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes focusing on your qualifications skills and contributions. To support this we kindly ask that you refrain from including personal details such as your photo age or marital status in your CV ensuring a fair and equitable evaluation based solely on your abilities and potential.

We are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible candidate experience for everyone. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process please let us know we are here to assist you.

Discover more about our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace: WED LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)

• You will plan buy and develop your own brand portfolio taking ownership and accountability of performance KPIs and communicating Zalandos strategy to your brand partners.

• You shape the mid- and long-term strategy for your brand portfolio and category taking into account Zalandos platform strategy your customer profile evolving trends and the competitive landscape staying fluent in your KPIs and steering seasonal budget and OTB in close collaboration with your Merchandiser to monitor performance and take decisive action

• You translate Business Cluster targets into a unit-level brand strategy taking autonomous ownership of your business area through both in-season trading decisions and future-season planning

• Through your buying expertise you support your unit lead in coaching and developing junior team members sharing knowledge and helping build the capabilities of those around you

• You work closely with the PPB team and your counterparts to ensure holistic channel business development and the adoption of Zalandos services.

• You work cross-functionally to drive sales and maximise profit exchanging regularly with Content Logistics Marketing and Production to ensure your strategy moves in sync with the wider organisation

• Travel - Regular travel is required potentially overseas

• A minimum of 5 years of buying fashion experience in a Head Office environment

• Knowledge in MS Office (especially Excel) and Google Workspace (Presentations Sheets Docs etc.). Experiences with AI (esp. Gemini) are a strong plus.

• Deep knowledge of the streetwear landscape: brands consumers trends and the cultural drivers behind them

• Proven ability to develop and execute assortment strategies grounded in customer insight and market intelligence

• Strong analytical skills with a commercially minded KPI-driven approach

• Excellent negotiation capabilities and experience managing external brand relationships

• Confidence operating in a fast-paced environment managing competing priorities across operational and strategic levels

• A collaborative mindset you share knowledge contribute to the team and elevate those around you

• Youre fluent in English (written and spoken)

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

• 27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days)

• 2 paid volunteering days a year

• Employee shares programme

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

• Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)

• Family services including counselling and support

• Health and wellbeing options (including Wellhub formerly Gympass)

• Mental health support and coaching available

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