Senior Principal Technical Program Manager

ABOUT THE TEAM AND ROLE:

The ZCPS Organization in Zalando is a central force driving innovation within Zalando's eCommerce Platform. Dedicated to leveraging technology and data insights, especially at the intersection of AI & fashion, our team creates platform capabilities and customer experiences that inspire and entertain consumers uniquely, contributing to Zalando being the starting point for fashion.

As a Senior Principal Technical Program Manager within the ZCPS Organization, you will be instrumental in driving the Echo Program. This program focuses on developing and implementing comprehensive, engagement-focused user journeys within the Fashion domain on Zalando's mobile and app platforms. You will be at the forefront of building key technology capabilities that enhance customer interaction, inspiration, entertainment and drive platform growth.

This is a new role within the Product Organization that will be the central point of contact between the Echo Program and technical teams (Design, Product, Engineering and Applied Science) within the Zalando Fashion Store. Focused primarily on driving 0-1 type products, the role requires quickly understanding the business context, identifying opportunities and establishing program strategy and execution. You will be integrated within the Product Organization to provide dedicated program management for Echo’s strategic initiatives.

You will be an integral part of a collaborative network, working closely with over 20+ stakeholders across Product, Engineering, Applied Science and Analytics teams located across Europe and China, all ultimately impacting Zalando’s 49M customers.

WHAT EXPERTISE IS NEEDED

• Program Management: Demonstrated ability to drive complex programs across different markets with a strong understanding of business objectives, technology insights and customer impact.

• Program Strategy & Execution: Developing comprehensive program strategies, defining clear roadmaps and effectively managing execution to achieve desired outcomes.

• Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Successfully navigating and influencing diverse stakeholder groups across different regions, fostering strong working relationships across global technology teams (Product, Engineering, Applied Science, Analytics). Effective communication across global technology teams to meet program deliverables.

• Technology Acumen: Understanding of technology programs and tools (e.g. AWS, APIs, Figma, Jira) with a focus on their applications in driving customer experiences.

• Risk Mitigation: Identifying potential risks, developing mitigation strategies, and proactively addressing challenges to ensure program success.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent individual who can:

• Operate autonomously: Minimum 10 years of experience in the Technology domain, ability to drive programs forward with minimal supervision, take ownership and demonstrate strong initiative to drive key initiatives across the Echo program.

• Collaborate effectively: Partner seamlessly with leadership on strategic goals and build strong relationships with cross-functional teams across Europe and China.

• Deliver Impact: Proactively identify opportunities, take ownership and demonstrate a strong commitment to deliver results against Echo’s strategic initiatives.

• Navigate Complexity: Ability to steer intricate global data and system environments, integrate diverse perspectives and knowledge of ecommerce technology to deliver innovative customer experiences.

• Drive Roadmap Execution: Lead the execution of the Echo program roadmap, effectively resolve product complexities and overcome blockers through strong partnerships with technology teams.

• Advantageous: Prior Experience in customer experience programs, leveraged innovative technologies, launched technical programs and/or a background in technology (Engineering/Data Science background).

PERKS AT WORK

• Culture of trust, empowerment and constructive feedback, open source commitment, meetups, game nights, 70+ internal technical and fun guilds, knowledge sharing through tech talks, internal tech academy and blogs, product demos, parties & events.

• Competitive salary, employee share shop, 40% Zalando shopping discount, discounts from external partners, centrally located offices, public transport discounts, municipality services, great IT equipment, flexible working times, additional holidays and volunteering time off, free beverages and fruits, diverse sports and health offerings.

• Extensive onboarding, mentoring and personal development opportunities and an international team of experts.

• Relocation assistance for internationals, PME family service and parent & child rooms* (*available in selected locations)