Team Lead Buying Running & Ballsports (all genders)

Our vision is to help customers to find their best self through sport. We are proud of our focus on deep customer relationships and continue to invest to deepen them even further. In this, we see Sports as a growth area and customer retention category and our Sports team leverages the full spectrum of the Zalando Platform and brings the very best of Zalando to our customers.

As a Team Lead Buying for our Sports category you report into the Commercial Director of Sports. You are responsible for creating a clearly defined assortment strategy and taking ownership for its execution and delivery – always with a customer-first mindset. You plan and manage the budget for this business and you are responsible for leading the buying team. You are involved in the strategic definition of the category and are a main driver of success.

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. And this vision starts with our hiring – we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. You are welcome to leave out your picture, age, or marital status from your application. We only assess candidates on their qualifications and merit.

We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support you throughout the hiring process.

do.BETTER – our diversity & inclusion strategy https //corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/dobetter-our-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy

Our employee resource groups https //corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/our-employee-resource-groups

WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)…

• Leading people is your passion. Alongside your key functional responsibilities, you will be fully responsible for leading, coaching and developing your team by identifying their strengths, development areas and training needs. You will look after a team across various levels from Assistant Buyers through to Senior Buyer.
• You will provide strategic and creative direction and will guide your team on sourcing new brands and relevant assortments. You control the seasonal budget for your category to maximise sales, gross margin and inventory turn. You are passionate about product and trends and knowledgeable about the sports fashion Industry. You drive the strategy and help to identify strategic marketing & product stories alongside the Marketing & Country teams
• Owning and managing the performance of the assortment, you will work closely with Merchandise Planning to drive sales and maximise profitability. You take responsibility for owning and driving In-Season KPIs. You influence the OTB for your category to maximise sales, gross margin and inventory turn
• Maximising relationships, you will build strong, trustful long term partnerships with the biggest brands for this unit such as working very closely with the strategic partners. You possess strong negotiation skills and the ability to take a strategic view on maximising long term potential.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF…

• ±8 years of relevant Buying and/or business development experience at a management level, within a fast-paced retail business, ideally a multi-branded E-commerce retailer.
• As a strong leader, you are strategic and are able to manage multiple stakeholders effectively. You understand and are motivated by the challenges of the fashion e-com business. You pride yourself in your leadership skills with relevant experience leading a large team
• Expertise in spotting trends and brave enough to take strategic buying decisions. You have a history of successfully implementing new process to become more efficient and customer-centric
• Strong analytical skills are required to be successful in the role and strong business acumen in decision making

If you think you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this role!

OUR OFFER

Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.

• Employee shares program
• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Hybrid working model with 60% (or more) remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration
• 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 counseling and support
• Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)
• Mental health support and coaching available

Learn all about Zalando and our values here https //jobs.zalando.com/en/?gh_src=22377bdd1us