THE ROLE & THE TEAM
The role is a maternity cover until Jan 2027. As Category Planning Manager you hold end‑to‑end accountability for a specific business segment, defining the financial KPI plan and ensuring the business unit meets targets. You will plan and manage inventory to optimise sales and profitability, working closely with buying, marketing and operations teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the end‑to‑end planning cycle, defining the financial KPI plan and steering the business area to reach defined financial targets.
- Develop, implement and monitor inventory strategies to ensure optimal stock levels, maximising sales and minimizing excess stock via the monthly OTB cycle.
- Analyse historical sales data and market trends to create accurate sales forecasts and prepare detailed reports and insights to support decision‑making processes.
- Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including marketing and operations, to ensure execution of merchandise plans.
- Communicate effectively with external stakeholders to align on strategic goals and initiatives.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in merchandise planning. Leverage technology and data‑analysis tools to streamline planning processes.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or a comparable field.
- More than 3 years of merchandising/planning experience, preferably within e‑commerce, with proven end‑to‑end ownership of at least one planning cycle.
- Excellent analytical skills, strong organisational ability, and the ability to work effectively with multiple departments.
- High levels of personal accountability, a proactive mindset, and the ability to prioritise in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and strong negotiation skills.
- Expertise with Google Workspace and advanced proficiency in Excel and other planning software.
- Experience guiding and supporting team members, showing responsibility and dedication to achieving results.
OUR 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.
- Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week (actual practice varies by team).
- Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year.
- Employee shares programme.
- 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, and 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.
- Development opportunities through our training platform and biannual peer‑to‑peer review.
INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN
We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and contributions. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process, we are here to assist you.
