Principal Technology Vendor Manager (all genders)

Role: As a Principal Technology Vendor Manager (all genders) you will be part of the team responsible for developing and maintaining long‑standing relationships with our largest technology vendors. The team sits within Zalando Technology Foundation (ZTF), which enables self‑service, fast decision‑making and collaboration across the company. Responsibilities: - Develop and sustain long‑standing relationships with strategic technology vendors based on trust, open communication and a standardized framework. - Establish standards to assess vendor performance and improve those standards. - Stay informed of market trends and technology innovations, assisting leaders with evaluation of new technology and supporting strategic decision‑making. - Lead executive‑to‑executive governance programs and collaboration with critical providers. - Organise regular strategic business reviews with strategic technology vendors to set and update partnership goals. - Drive high‑stakes negotiations and escalations, representing Zalando’s interests. Qualifications: - Deep understanding of critical technology for internet‑based companies such as cloud computing, AI and big data. - Proven experience building effective partner relationships that deliver long‑term value. - Knowledge of tech industry trends and service marketplaces, with ability to translate trends into compelling strategies. - Experience building accountability mechanisms, holding partners to commitments and resolving issues. - Skilled in facilitating governance, negotiating and reviewing extensive contracts. - Strong communication skills across engineer‑to‑engineer, product‑manager‑to‑product‑manager and executive‑to‑executive levels. What We Offer: - 27 days holiday (increasing up to 30 days), 2 paid volunteering days, employee share programme. - 40 % discount on Zalando fashion and beauty products, 30 % discount on Lounge by Zalando and external partner discounts. - Relocation assistance (subject to agreement), family services, health and wellbeing options, mental health support and coaching. - Development opportunities through training platform and bi‑annual peer‑to‑peer review. - Inclusive, diverse workplace culture.