Sr. Category Planning Manager - AH - Mat. Cover (all genders)

Note that this is a maternity cover role. As a Senior Category Planning Manager, you hold end-to-end accountability for a specific business segment of significant turnover, high complexity, or strategic importance. Your primary responsibility is to define the financial KPI plan and ensure the business unit meets these targets. This involves planning and managing inventory to optimize sales and profitability while holding functional leadership over the Merchandise Planning team.

In this role, you'll need a sharp analytical mindset, advanced knowledge of merchandise planning tools and processes, and the ability to work effectively with various departments. You'll analyse historical sales data and market trends to create accurate sales forecasts, preparing detailed reports and insights to support decision-making processes. Additionally, you will play an instrumental role in evolving these tools and processes to benefit the future business. This is a role for our Flagship 2 Cluster and reports directly to the Planning Lead.

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

• Lead the end-to-end planning cycle to define and achieve financial KPI targets.
• Ensure full accountability for steering the business area to meet defined financial goals.
• Implement and monitor inventory strategies to maintain optimal stock levels, maximizing sales and minimizing excess stock through a monthly OTB cycle.
• Analyse historical sales data and market trends to create accurate sales forecasts.
• Prepare detailed reports and insights to support decision-making processes.
• Work closely with marketing, operations, and other cross‑functional teams to ensure the successful 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 tools to streamline planning processes and data analysis.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF

• You hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business or a comparable field, with over 5 years of experience in Merchandising, preferably within eCommerce, and have managed at least two full planning cycles.
• You have demonstrated a high level of personal accountability and a commitment to achieving outstanding results.
• You excel in dynamic, fast‑paced environments, embracing change and consistently seeking innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• You possess excellent English skills, can communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and have strong negotiation abilities.
• You love working with numbers, think strategically, and are an expert in Excel, other planning software, and Google Suite, using these tools to optimize planning processes.

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 is up to each team to best support their collaboration.
• Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year.
• Employee shares program.
• 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 counseling 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.