Applied Science Manager / Lounge by Zalando (all genders)

Role As the Applied Science Manager at Lounge by Zalando, you will enable talented scientists and engineers to deliver effective, scientifically‑sound solutions for pricing and assortment optimization. You will lead the Pricing Algorithms team, overseeing the design, implementation, and iteration of demand‑based pricing models that impact billions of euros in annual discounts. Responsibilities - Lead a high‑performing, interdisciplinary team of Applied Scientists and Engineers, translating complex algorithmic capabilities into tangible business value. - Mentor and grow technical talent, guide career trajectories, and foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture. - Define and execute roadmaps, navigating uncertainty and project complexity. - Oversee identification and development of high‑impact pricing levers. - Raise the bar for Applied Science excellence, establishing best practices and engineering standards. - Communicate and problem‑solve effectively across all levels, acting as a trusted partner to product managers and commercial stakeholders. Qualifications - PhD or MSc in a quantitative field with at least 5 + years of industry experience in machine learning, operations research, forecasting, economics, or related algorithmic fields. - 2 + years of experience in people and project leadership within ambiguous environments. - Familiarity with agile or project‑management methodologies tailored to R&D. - Proven track record developing solutions from idea to production. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to bring clarity to ambiguous technical problems. - Strong experience with Python in an applied context and solid understanding of software‑engineering tools and best practices for translating research into production‑ready systems. What We Offer - 27 days of holiday per year and 2 paid volunteering days. - Hybrid working model with up to 60 % remote work. - Ability to work from abroad for up to 30 days per year. - Employee shares program and substantial discounts on Zalando and Lounge products. - Relocation assistance (subject to prior agreement). - Family services, health and wellbeing options, and mental‑health support. - Development opportunities through training platforms and biannual peer‑to‑peer reviews.