Senior Principal Program Manager (All Genders)

<p><span>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.</span></p><p></p><p><span>As the Senior Principal Program Manager for AI &amp; Inspiration Initiatives, you will play a pivotal role in leading cross-functional efforts to integrate AI-driven solutions, expand Zalando’s Inspiration &amp; 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.</span></p><p></p><p><span>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.</span></p><p></p><h2><b><b>WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING):</b></b></h2><p></p><p><b><span>Program Leadership and Delivery:</span></b></p><ul><li><p><span>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.</span></p></li><li><p><span>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.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Manage the experimental pilot programs for AI and Inspiration &amp; Entertainment initiatives, analysing results to inform scalable solutions for broader market rollouts.</span></p></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span>AI Integration and Innovation:</span></b></p><ul><li><p><span>Collaborate with product and engineering teams to implement advanced AI capabilities across key customer touch-points, including chatbots, search, and discovery experiences.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Drive the development of AI-powered personalisation systems that provide tailored recommendations and dynamic, context-aware interactions.</span></p></li><li><p><span>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.</span></p></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span>Strategic Planning and Execution:</span></b></p><ul><li><p><span>Develop and maintain comprehensive roadmaps for AI and inspiration initiatives, ensuring alignment with Zalando’s strategic objectives and delivery timelines.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Identify and mitigate potential risks, dependencies, and challenges to ensure seamless program execution.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Proactively explore opportunities to incorporate emerging AI technologies and methodologies to drive innovation.</span></p></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span>TrendSpotter Program Management:</span></b></p><ul><li><p><span>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.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Collaborate with marketing and content teams to translate trend insights into actionable campaigns that resonate with local audiences.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Ensure the integration of TrendSpotter insights into personalisation and recommendation engines to enhance user experiences.</span></p></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span>Cross-Functional Collaboration</span></b>:</p><ul><li><p><span>Act as the central point of alignment between product, engineering, marketing, and data science teams to ensure cohesive execution of AI and inspiration initiatives.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Work closely with the Shenzhen team and other global stakeholders to incorporate international insights and best practices.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Foster collaboration between internal teams and external partners to accelerate innovation and execution.</span></p></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span>Customer-Centric Innovation:</span></b></p><ul><li><p><span>Shape customer journeys that integrate AI, inspiration, and entertainment, creating personalised and engaging experiences across the platform.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Leverage data insights to continuously refine and improve AI-driven solutions, enhancing user satisfaction and loyalty.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Align initiatives with Zalando’s goal of increasing weekly active users, quality time spent on the platform, and customer engagement.</span></p></li></ul><p></p><p><b><span>Program Metrics and Reporting:</span></b></p>