Senior Principal Program Manager (All Genders)

Zalando is driving innovation to become Europe’s leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle ecosystem. This vision is powered by cutting-edge AI technologies, seamlessly integrated inspiration and entertainment experiences, and data-driven insights. Central to this transformation are initiatives like Zalando Assistant, OpenAI-powered chatbots, and TrendSpotter, which leverage Zalando’s vast data to deliver personalized, dynamic customer experiences.

As the Senior Principal Program Manager for AI & Inspiration Initiatives, you will play a pivotal role in leading cross-functional efforts to integrate AI-driven solutions, expand Zalando’s Inspiration & Entertainment platform, and create innovative, data-powered customer journeys. Your work will focus on building and scaling experimental pilots, incorporating advanced AI technologies into key touchpoints of the customer journey, and managing programs like TrendSpotter to identify and act on emerging fashion trends across European cities.

This role demands a strategic mindset, deep technical understanding of AI-driven capabilities, and exceptional program management skills to align global teams and deliver transformative user experiences.

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

Program Leadership and Delivery:

• Lead cross-functional programs to integrate AI solutions (e.g., Zalando Assistant, OpenAI-powered chatbots) into the customer journey, ensuring a seamless blend of inspiration, discovery, and shopping.

• Oversee initiatives like TrendSpotter, which uses Zalando’s unique data to identify and act on city-specific fashion trends, driving customer engagement and platform differentiation.

• Manage the experimental pilot programs for AI and Inspiration & Entertainment initiatives, analysing results to inform scalable solutions for broader market rollouts.

AI Integration and Innovation:

• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to implement advanced AI capabilities across key customer touch-points, including chatbots, search, and discovery experiences.

• Drive the development of AI-powered personalisation systems that provide tailored recommendations and dynamic, context-aware interactions.

• Partner with the Shenzhen team to leverage global best practices in social commerce and AI, adapting them to European markets while drawing from Zalando’s unique strengths.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive roadmaps for AI and inspiration initiatives, ensuring alignment with Zalando’s strategic objectives and delivery timelines.

• Identify and mitigate potential risks, dependencies, and challenges to ensure seamless program execution.

• Proactively explore opportunities to incorporate emerging AI technologies and methodologies to drive innovation.

TrendSpotter Program Management:

• Lead the development and scaling of Zalando TrendSpotter, a tool that leverages vast customer and market data to identify fashion trends in real-time across cities.

• Collaborate with marketing and content teams to translate trend insights into actionable campaigns that resonate with local audiences.

• Ensure the integration of TrendSpotter insights into personalisation and recommendation engines to enhance user experiences.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Act as the central point of alignment between product, engineering, marketing, and data science teams to ensure cohesive execution of AI and inspiration initiatives.

• Work closely with the Shenzhen team and other global stakeholders to incorporate international insights and best practices.

• Foster collaboration between internal teams and external partners to accelerate innovation and execution.

Customer-Centric Innovation:

• Shape customer journeys that integrate AI, inspiration, and entertainment, creating personalised and engaging experiences across the platform.

• Leverage data insights to continuously refine and improve AI-driven solutions, enhancing user satisfaction and loyalty.

• Align initiatives with Zalando’s goal of increasing weekly active users, quality time spent on the platform, and customer engagement.

Program Metrics and Reporting:

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for AI and inspiration programs, such as user engagement, conversion rates, and time spent on the platform.

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership, backed by clear data and actionable insights.

• Evaluate ROI and optimize resource allocation to maximize the impact of AI and inspiration initiatives.

WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF:

• You have extensive work experience in China, complemented by additional experience in international regions outside of China.

• You have 10+ years of experience in program management, strategic operations, or a similar role, with a focus on AI, e-commerce, or digital innovation.

• Proven success in delivering complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives involving advanced technologies and customer-facing solutions.

• Strong understanding of AI technologies, including natural language processing, machine learning, and data-driven personalisation systems.

• Expertise in managing large-scale programs, including planning, execution, and risk management.

• Ability to translate high-level objectives into actionable plans and deliver impactful results.

• Experience collaborating with product, engineering, marketing, and data teams.

• Deep understanding of e-commerce, digital content, and customer engagement, particularly in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

• Knowledge of social commerce trends and AI innovations in global markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

You would stand out as a candidate if you had the following qualities in addition to the above qualities:

• Experience with AI-powered chatbots, recommendation engines, or trend identification tools.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to leverage data to inform decisions and optimize program outcomes.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies and tools to manage cross-functional projects effectively.

• Understanding of regional market dynamics, with the ability to adapt strategies to diverse cultural contexts.

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!

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% 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 

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

Zalando’s vision is to be the starting point for fashion – one that is inclusive by design. We only assess candidates based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applications from people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, personal expressions, racial identities, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and disability statuses. We’re only asking about why you’re great for this role, so please avoid including your picture, age, and marital status in your CV as well.

We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Please 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/diversity-inclusion

Our employee resource groups: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/diversity-inclusion/our-employee-resource-groups