Principal Strategic Partner Manager - Highstreet (all genders)
About this role
THE ROLE & THE TEAM
Our partnership with brands is deeply rooted in Zalando’s DNA and one of our main success factors. We are proud of our deep relationships and invest to deepen them even further. The Strategic Partner Management (SPM) team is responsible for co-creating and implementing strategic growth plans for our most strategic partnerships. We leverage the full spectrum of the Zalando Platform and act as the main point of contact to the partner — bringing the very best of Zalando to the partnership.
In this role you will support the Highstreet Portfolio Leadership team to define and execute the Partner Strategy of two of Zalando’s most important brand partners, providing commercial expertise and advice with the goal to drive sustainable, qualitative, and mutual commercial growth, representing the relationship towards internal and external stakeholders. Furthermore, you will lead key projects within the respective strategy, drive commercial initiatives, and build best practices across our team.
Find out more about our business units and teams here: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/what-we-do
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)
Strategic Execution: Develop, maintain, and execute strategic plans with clear roadmaps, coordinating partner-focused initiatives cross-functionally to resolve emerging commercial challenges.
Platform Vision: Build and drive a partner-focused platform vision and project landscape, integrating strategic plans with timely cross-departmental implementation.
Stakeholder Management: Steer large meetings toward desired outcomes, maintaining a strong network within the partner's organization and collaborating across functions with empathy.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Write and present concise strategic papers and analytical business cases for senior management, using a logical mindset to evaluate potential against cost.
Commercial Financial Planning: Support portfolio teams with setting commercial growth targets, integrating various Zalando business models, and tracking performance milestones.
Project Leadership: End-to-end management of complex partner-related projects, successfully defining scopes, setting milestones, and ensuring timely delivery.
WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF
We recommend having 6+ years of relevant work experience in consumer-oriented commercial, partner-facing, or highly analytical roles, with a background in the fashion industry required (e-commerce and Kids category experience is a strong advantage).
Proven track record of managing cross-functional projects and confidently steering multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Entrepreneurial mindset with an independent, structured working style and the resilience to navigate complex topics toward clear goals.
Strategic commercial thinker with impressive analytical capabilities and a strong understanding of profit and loss (P&L) dynamics in an e-commerce setting.
Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and align with senior management stakeholders.
Strong technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
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
Employee shares programme
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 counselling 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