📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Strategic Growth & Assortment Manager
🔹 Company: Zalando
🔹 Location: Berlin, Germany
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Retail, Fashion
🔹 Date Posted: June 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing seasonal assortment strategies to drive partner and category growth
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure optimal product visibility
- Analyzing performance and KPIs to identify opportunities and drive corrective actions
- Working cross-functionally to align on assortment priorities and execute strategies
- Leveraging planning and reporting tools to support decision-making and continuous improvement
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders. It's ideal for someone with a background in buying, merchandising, or strategic commercial roles in fashion or e-commerce.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Support the development of seasonal assortment strategies using internal tools and partner data
✅ Work closely with Partner Consultants to guide partners on assortment mix, pricing, and commercial relevance
✅ Analyze and track weekly performance and KPIs to identify opportunities and flag risks
✅ Partner with teams across Buying, Planning, and Partner Services to ensure seamless execution and alignment on assortment priorities
✅ Coordinate with marketing and ZMS teams to enhance brand presence and product visibility on site
✅ Leverage planning and reporting tools to analyze data, inform decision-making, and contribute to continuous improvement of assortment strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, data analysis, and stakeholder management. It requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with both internal teams and external partners.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion, or a related field
Experience: 2-5 years in buying, merchandising, assortment planning, or strategic commercial roles, ideally in fashion, e-commerce, or retail
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders and communicate with clarity across levels, including leadership
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex data into insight-led recommendations
- Collaborative mindset and experience aligning cross-functional teams and external partners toward common goals
- Deep understanding of customer behavior, brand positioning, and fashion market trends
- Experience working with planning and analytics tools to evaluate performance and support decision-making
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in German and English
- Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong analytical background and experience in strategic commercial roles will be well-suited to this position. Familiarity with the fashion industry and e-commerce landscape is a plus.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €50,000 - €70,000 per year (AI estimate based on market research and company size)
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
- Family-friendly policies and employee discounts
- Learning and development opportunities
- Health and fitness benefits
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexible working hours and remote work options may be available.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on market research and company size. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Zalando is a leading online platform for fashion and lifestyle, operating in 25 markets across Europe.
Company Size: Zalando has over 10,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Zalando was founded in Berlin in 2008.
Company Description:
- Zalando offers a wide range of international brands and local labels, providing a one-stop fashion destination for inspiration, innovation, and interaction.
- The company's logistics network with 12 centrally located fulfillment centers allows it to efficiently serve customers throughout Europe.
- Zalando promotes an inclusive corporate culture that welcomes different perspectives and brings together people from diverse backgrounds.
Company Specialties:
- Technology
- Fashion
- Operations & Logistics
- Commerce
- and account management
Company Website: http://jobs.zalando.com
ASSUMPTION: Zalando's large size and diverse workforce provide ample opportunities for career growth and development. The company's focus on technology and innovation sets it apart in the fashion retail industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Head of Buying and works closely with Partner Consultants, internal teams, and external partners.
Work Arrangement: This role is based in Berlin, Germany, with on-site work required. Flexible working hours and remote work options may be available.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression into senior buying, merchandising, or management roles
- Opportunities to work on strategic projects and initiatives
- Learning and development opportunities through Zalando's internal training programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for candidates looking to advance their careers in buying, merchandising, or strategic commercial roles within the fashion industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Zalando's headquarters in Berlin is a modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on employee well-being.
Office Location(s): Valeska-Gert-Straße 5, Berlin, 10243, DE
Geographic Context:
- Berlin is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving fashion scene and a strong tech industry.
- The city offers a high quality of life, with numerous cultural attractions, green spaces, and a diverse food scene.
- Berlin is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to commute to work.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexible working hours and remote work options may be available.
ASSUMPTION: Berlin's vibrant fashion scene and strong tech industry provide an ideal environment for this role. The city's high quality of life and well-connected public transportation make it an attractive place to live and work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager
- On-site interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final interview with the Head of Buying
Key Assessment Areas:
- Analytical skills and data interpretation
- Communication and stakeholder management skills
- Fashion industry knowledge and market trends
- Cultural fit and alignment with Zalando's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to data analysis and decision-making in a fashion retail context.
- Demonstrate your understanding of Zalando's business model and competitive landscape.
- Showcase your ability to work collaboratively and influence stakeholders.
ATS Keywords: Assortment planning, strategic growth, buying, merchandising, data analysis, stakeholder management, fashion retail, e-commerce
ASSUMPTION: Zalando's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' analytical skills, communication skills, and cultural fit. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
- Merchandising and planning software (e.g., Retail Solutions, Assortment Planning Tools)
- Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Slack, Teams)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools, as well as experience with merchandising and planning software. Familiarity with collaboration and communication tools is also essential.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Obsessed
- Think and Act Like an Owner
- Strive for Excellence
- Stay Curious
- Take Pride in Our Work
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Data-driven and analytical
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Innovative and forward-thinking
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong analytical mindset and the ability to turn complex data into insight-led recommendations?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborating with diverse teams?
- Do you share Zalando's commitment to customer obsession, excellence, and continuous learning?
ASSUMPTION: Zalando values candidates who are analytical, collaborative, and customer-focused. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style throughout the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and balancing competing priorities
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
- Adapting to changes in the fashion industry and market trends
- Navigating a large, diverse organization with a complex structure
ASSUMPTION: This role presents challenges related to stakeholder management, time management, and adaptability. Candidates should be prepared to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and navigate a complex organizational structure.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional retail buying roles, this position focuses on strategic growth and assortment planning, rather than day-to-day purchasing and vendor management.
- In the fashion e-commerce industry, this role is unique in its focus on data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.
- Career progression in this role could lead to senior buying, merchandising, or management positions within Zalando or other fashion retail organizations.
ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct from traditional retail buying roles and offers unique opportunities for career growth and development within the fashion e-commerce industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a data-driven assortment strategy for a key fashion category, in collaboration with internal teams and external partners
- Analyzing sales performance and customer behavior data to identify opportunities for assortment optimization
- Working with marketing and ZMS teams to enhance brand presence and product visibility on Zalando's platform
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, data-driven, and collaborative nature of this role, highlighting the importance of analytical skills, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits into the broader organization?
- How does Zalando support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Zalando approach data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement?
- What is the company's strategy for expanding its fashion category and growing its market share?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the company's organizational structure, employee development opportunities, strategic priorities, and data-driven approach to decision-making and growth.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare for the interview by researching Zalando's business model, competitive landscape, and fashion industry trends.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
