Head of Brand Activations, Zappos , Zappos Business Development

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head of Brand Activations, Zappos Business Development

🔹 Company: Amazon

🔹 Location: New York, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Brand & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-23

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing comprehensive brand strategies for Zappos and Shopbop
• Managing external partnerships and communications for both brands
• Driving strategic initiatives to enhance market position and customer engagement
• Providing counsel to senior leadership on brand and communications strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills. It is ideal for an experienced brand and communications professional looking to make a significant impact on two well-known brands within the Amazon family.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute vendor-funded activations strategy for Zappos, including production, brand partnerships, management, and reporting

✅ Support and contribute to Zappos’ exclusive brand capsule initiatives with top-tier partners to drive customer excitement and support new brand acquisition strategy

✅ Oversee sustainability initiatives for Zappos and integrations in partnership with Amazon partner teams (e.g., The Climate Pledge)

✅ Develop and execute sports partnership initiatives for Zappos to expand audience reach

✅ Lead initiatives to grow Zappos' Kids business through strategic brand and external partnerships

✅ Manage internal communications strategy and execution across both brands

✅ Develop and execute communications plans aligned with business objectives for both Shopbop and Zappos

✅ Lead and manage relationships with external communications agencies, ensuring consistent messaging

✅ Coordinate with Amazon PR to provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership teams across both brands

✅ Create and maintain crisis management playbooks and lead rapid response efforts during sensitive situations in partnership with Amazon PR partners

✅ Build and maintain relationships with key industry influencers and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong project management skills to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in brand and communications leadership, with a proven track record in developing brand narratives and managing partnerships.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in brand strategy and communications
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Strong crisis management and internal communications skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with Amazon or within the e-commerce industry
• Fluency in multiple languages
• Experience with sustainability initiatives and sports partnerships

ASSUMPTION: Given the seniority of this role, candidates should have extensive experience in brand and communications leadership, with a strong portfolio of successful campaigns and initiatives.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 - $220,000 per year (based on industry standards for a senior leadership role in brand and communications within the e-commerce industry)

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee discounts on Amazon products
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: E-commerce and Retail

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)

Founded: 1994 (as Amazon, 1995 for Zappos)

Company Description:

• Amazon is a multinational technology company that focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence
• Zappos is an online shoe and clothing retailer owned by Amazon, known for its customer service and company culture
• Shopbop is a luxury fashion retailer owned by Amazon, offering designer clothing, shoes, and accessories

Company Specialties:

• E-commerce and Retail
• Operations
• Internet

Company Website: Amazon.com

ASSUMPTION: Working for a large enterprise like Amazon offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse teams and projects. However, it may also come with more bureaucracy and slower decision-making processes compared to smaller companies.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Leadership

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Director of Brand Marketing for Zappos and works closely with cross-functional teams across both brands and Amazon

Work Arrangement: On-site, with some flexibility for remote work

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the role's scope and responsibilities based on performance and business needs
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives across multiple brands
• Possibility to transition into other senior leadership roles within Amazon or its subsidiaries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a substantial impact on two well-known brands and work with a diverse range of teams and stakeholders.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with open-plan workspaces and dedicated meeting rooms

Office Location(s): New York, United States

Geographic Context:

• New York City offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with numerous entertainment, dining, and recreational options
• The city has a high cost of living, with competitive salaries and benefits to match
• New York is a major hub for the fashion and retail industries, providing ample networking opportunities

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with some flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: Working in New York City offers unique advantages, such as access to a vast talent pool and cultural experiences. However, it also comes with higher living costs and a fast-paced work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
• Final interview with the Senior Director of Brand Marketing for Zappos
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and brand management skills
• Communication and presentation abilities
• Crisis management and problem-solving capabilities
• Leadership and team management skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand and communications experience, with a focus on strategic initiatives and partnership management
• Prepare examples of successful brand campaigns and crisis management scenarios to discuss during the interview
• Research Amazon, Zappos, and Shopbop to demonstrate your understanding of the brands and their unique value propositions

ATS Keywords: Brand strategy, communications, partnership management, crisis management, sustainability initiatives, sports partnerships, internal communications, external communications, vendor management, customer engagement, market positioning, influencer relations, strategic initiatives, leadership, collaboration, reporting

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, given the seniority and high visibility of the position. Applicants should focus on demonstrating their strategic thinking, leadership, and communications skills throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• CRM and marketing automation tools (e.g., Salesforce, Marketo)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is expected for this role, as they are commonly used in brand and communications leadership positions within the e-commerce industry.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer obsession
• Passion for invention
• Commitment to operational excellence
• Long-term thinking

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Collaborative and cross-functional teamwork
• Data-driven decision-making
• Focus on long-term impact and innovation

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, and are you comfortable making decisions quickly?
• Are you able to balance multiple priorities and deadlines effectively, and do you have strong project management skills?
• Do you have a proven track record of developing and executing successful brand strategies, and are you comfortable working with cross-functional teams?

ASSUMPTION: Amazon's company culture is known for its fast-paced, innovative, and customer-centric approach. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and be able to make data-driven decisions quickly.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines for two distinct brands
• Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day tactical execution
• Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholders
• Adapting to a fast-paced work environment with frequent changes and priorities

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to working in a senior leadership role within a large enterprise, and candidates should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and navigate complex organizational structures.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on driving brand awareness and growth for two distinct brands within the Amazon family of companies, requiring a high degree of strategic thinking and collaboration
• Compared to other brand and communications leadership roles, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and the opportunity to work on high-impact initiatives across multiple brands
• Career progression may include transitioning into other senior leadership roles within Amazon or its subsidiaries, with potential for increased scope and impact

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact brand and communications initiatives for two well-known brands within a large enterprise. Candidates should be prepared to balance multiple priorities and adapt to a fast-paced work environment.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive brand strategy for Zappos, including vendor-funded activations, brand partnerships, and sustainability initiatives
• Supporting and contributing to Zappos’ exclusive brand capsule initiatives with top-tier partners to drive customer excitement and support new brand acquisition strategies
• Managing internal communications strategy and execution across both Zappos and Shopbop, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with business objectives

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic and cross-functional nature of the role, requiring strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How do you envision this role contributing to the overall brand strategy and growth of Zappos and Shopbop?
• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role, and how it collaborates with other departments and brands within Amazon?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does Amazon support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in senior leadership roles?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in a senior leadership role within a large enterprise like Amazon, and how can this role help address those challenges?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role's strategic importance, team dynamics, and growth opportunities, as well as the challenges and support structures in place for senior leadership roles within Amazon.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand and communications experience, with a focus on strategic initiatives and partnership management
• Prepare examples of successful brand campaigns and crisis management scenarios to discuss during the interview
• Research Amazon, Zappos, and Shopbop to demonstrate your understanding of the brands and their unique value propositions
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.