Category planning manager - ah - mat cover (all genders)

THE ROLE & THE TEAM Note that this is a maternity cover until Jan 2027 As a Category Planning Manager, 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. In this role, 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 is a role for our AH Flagship 1 Cluster and reports directly to the Category Planning Lead. INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN 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 or other roles! At Zalando, our vision is to be the leading pan-European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e-commerce – one that thrives on diversity and is truly inclusive by design. We believe that diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity, and we actively seek out talent from all backgrounds. We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and contributions. To support this, we kindly ask that you refrain from including personal details such as your photo, age, or marital status in your CV, ensuring a fair and equitable evaluation based solely on your abilities and potential. We are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible candidate experience for everyone. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process, please let us know – we are here to assist you. Discover more about our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/our-culture/diversity-and-inclusion WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING) 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 an accurate sales forecast. 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 external 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. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF Bachelor's degree in Business or 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 being always on the hunt for 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 Suite 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. 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. 27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days) 2 paid volunteering days a year Hybrid working model with up to 60% 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 Employee shares program 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement) Family services, including counseling and support Health and wellbeing options (including Wellhub, formerly Gympass) Mental health support and coaching available Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review