Category Manager - Buying Fashion Private Label Women Footwear (all genders)

Role: Category Manager at Zalando Private Label, part of the Private Label Team, responsible for product development and collection planning, ensuring high‑quality, timely development processes and coordinating with suppliers. Responsibilities: - Independently steer the defined business area, driving commercial impact and executing the buying strategy. - Define brand seasonal strategy, budget and assortment planning together with merchandising. - Negotiate prices and delivery terms with international suppliers and expand supplier relationships. - Supervise the critical path from development to order placement and final delivery to ensure products are available for purchase. - Act as a functional leader and coach for junior team members. - Address complex operational, strategic and financial challenges with data‑supported solutions. - Communicate company strategy and collaborate cross‑functionally with design, planning, logistics and other departments. - Manage in‑season planning with the planning team to keep products available. - Coordinate with the design team to align collections with customer demand. - Build successful relationships across departments to drive sales and maximise profit. - Travel for international supplier visits, trade shows and sourcing trips. Qualifications: - Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Fashion Management or a related field. - Minimum 3 years of professional experience in buying or merchandising at a manager level, preferably in e‑commerce. - Ability to thrive in fast‑paced environments, proactive and well‑organized. - Strategic mindset with the ability to connect plans to timely delivery. - Proficiency in MS Office, Google tools and PLM; strong analytical skills combined with fashion sense and trend awareness. What We Offer: - 27 days of holiday per year (up to 30 days with seniority). - 2 paid volunteering days per year. - Employee shares programme. - 40% discount on Zalando fashion and beauty products, 30% discount on Lounge, plus external partner discounts. - Relocation assistance (subject to agreement). - Family services, counselling and support. - Health and wellbeing options including Wellhub (formerly Gympass). - Mental health support and coaching. - Development opportunities through a training platform and biannual peer‑to‑peer reviews.