Category Planning Manager Sports Outdoor - maternity cover (all genders)

Role: As a Category Planning Manager Sports Outdoor, you hold end-to-end accountability for a specific business segment. 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 optimise sales and profitability. You'll need a sharp analytical mindset, strong organisational skills, 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. Key responsibilities include planning and executing merchandise assortments that align with market trends and customer preferences, as well as collaborating with buying teams to achieve sales and margin targets. This role is a maternity cover available until 31.07.2027. Responsibilities: - Lead end-to-end planning cycle defining the financial KPI plan and full accountability for steering the business area to reach the defined financial targets. - Develop, implement and monitor inventory strategies to ensure optimal stock levels to maximise sales and minimise excess stock via 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 cross-functional teams, including marketing and operations, to ensure execution of merchandise plans. Communicate effectively with 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. Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Business or 2 years in a comparable field. - More than 3 years Merchandising/Planning experience (preferably within eCommerce) with proven end-to-end ownership for at least 1 planning cycle. - Motivated, structured, able to prioritise and positive in a very dynamic and fast-paced environment, embracing change and always in search of solutions. - You exercise high levels of personal accountability and are willing to go the extra mile to achieve results. - You have excellent English skills, communicate clearly with varied (internal and external) stakeholders, and possess solid negotiation skills. - You love to work with numbers and figures & think strategically. You have experience with Google Workspace and consider yourself an expert in Excel and other planning software. - You have experience guiding and supporting team members, showing a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to helping everyone achieve great results. What We Offer: - Employee shares program - 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Layin Lounge, discounts from external partners - 2 paid volunteering days a year - Flexible working model with up to 60% remote per week, actual practice is up to each team - Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year - 27 days of vacation a year to start - Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement) - Family services, including counselling and support - Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass) - Mental health support and coaching available - Drive your development through our training platform and structured feedback processes