Category Manager - Heritage - maternity cover (all)

As a Category Manager in our Heritage unit, you'll own a portfolio of some of the most strategically significant brands on Zalando's platform, shaping the assortments that define what fashion-forward customers discover next. You'll take full ownership of your brand portfolio, developing and executing 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 into a brand-level strategy that delivers real impact, both in the current season and beyond. You'll bring functional leadership to the buying 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. Our position is a maternity cover until February 2028.

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, 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 and support cross-functionally to drive sales, enhance our customer experience and maximise profit, exchanging regularly with Content, Logistics, Marketing and Production to ensure your strategy moves in sync with the wider organisation.

A minimum of 3 years of buying fashion experience in a Head Office environment. Knowledge in Google Workspace (Presentations, Sheets, Docs, etc.), MS Office (especially Excel) and Experiences with AI (esp. Gemini) are a plus. A strong understanding of the iconic global brand landscape, key consumer audiences, 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); German is a plus.

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) - 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners - Family support, including counselling and dedicated services for parents and carers - Company pension scheme - Employee shares programme - Health and wellbeing options, including Wellhub - Mental health support and coaching - 2 paid volunteering days a year - Relocation assistance (subject to prior agreement)