Category Manager - Heritage - maternity cover (all genders)

Role: Category Manager in the Heritage unit, owning a portfolio of strategically significant brands on Zalando's platform, shaping assortments and developing buying strategies that balance creative instinct with commercial precision. This is a maternity cover position until February 2028. Responsibilities: - Plan, buy, and develop your own brand portfolio, taking ownership of performance KPIs and communicating Zalando's strategy to brand partners. - Shape mid- and long-term strategy for the brand portfolio, considering platform strategy, customer profile, trends, and competitive landscape, while steering seasonal budget and OTB in collaboration with Merchandiser. - Translate Business Cluster targets into unit-level brand strategy, with autonomous ownership of the business area through in-season trading and future-season planning. - Support the unit lead in coaching and developing junior team members, sharing knowledge and building capabilities. - Work cross-functionally with Content, Logistics, Marketing, and Production to drive sales, enhance customer experience, and maximize profit. Qualifications: - Minimum of 3 years of buying fashion experience in a Head Office environment. - Knowledge in Google Workspace, MS Office (especially Excel), and experience with AI (esp. Gemini) are a plus. - Strong understanding of the iconic global brand landscape, key consumer audiences, trends, and cultural drivers. - Proven ability to develop and execute assortment strategies grounded in customer insight and market intelligence. - Strong analytical skills with a commercially minded, KPI-driven approach. - Excellent negotiation capabilities and experience managing external brand relationships. - Confidence operating in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities. - Collaborative mindset, sharing knowledge and elevating those around you. - Fluent in English (written and spoken); German is a plus. What We Offer: - 27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (+1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days). - 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners. - Family support, including counselling and dedicated services for parents and carers. - Company pension scheme, employee shares programme. - Health and wellbeing options, including Wellhub, mental health support and coaching. - 2 paid volunteering days a year. - Relocation assistance (subject to prior agreement).