Senior Category Manager - Authentic Heritage - maternity Cover (all genders)

THE ROLE & THE TEAM Heritage isn't just a category — it's a cultural conversation, and you know how to speak it fluently. As a Senior Category Manager in our Heritage unit, you'll own a portfolio of one of the most strategically significant brands on Zalando's platform, shaping the assortments that define what fashion customers discover next. This maternity cover is until 31.08.2027. You'll 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, you'll 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, you'll translate Business Cluster targets and strategies into a brand-level strategy that delivers real impact — both in the current season and beyond. You'll 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, you'll 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 — you'll tackle them independently, using data to identify opportunities and inform decisions. INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN If you think you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply even if you don't 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: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/our-culture/diversity-and-inclusion WHAT WE’D 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 Zalando's strategy to your brand partners. You shape the mid- and long-term strategy for your brand portfolio and category, taking into account Zalando's 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 Zalando’s 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 WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF 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 You're fluent in English (written and spoken) 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. 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