About the role

Principal Software Program Manager at Zalando managing key software initiatives in eCommerce. Leading program management standards and aligning cross-functional teams to enhance customer solutions.

Responsibilities

Convert high-level Group Strategy into executable, measurable programs that drive business growth and customer experience.
Manage complex, multi-team software programs end-to-end, ensuring stability in scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
Use KPI tracking and rigorous data analysis to resolve bottlenecks and enable informed executive decisions.
Proactively identify and mitigate program risks and cross-portfolio dependencies to ensure reliable outcomes.
Partner with leadership and PMO to champion prioritization and trade-offs across the organization.
Act as a trusted advisor and communication bridge between Engineering, Product, Design, Data, and Operations.
Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Motivate and align distributed, cross-functional teams through vision and credibility without direct reporting authority.
Support the professional development of program managers and peers in execution and delivery excellence.
Foster a culture of shared ownership and inclusive collaboration across diverse geographies and disciplines.
Apply and evolve best-in-class methodologies to raise the organizational bar for software development practices.
Lead through ambiguity and pressure, modeling accountability and proactive solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Are a strategic thinker with a proven ability to drive business outcomes through effective program and project management.
Have experience in software program or technical program management, (ideally within eCommerce), with an understanding of software development methodologies.
Have proven success leading multiple concurrent programs with cross-functional, globally distributed teams.
Have strong stakeholder satisfaction and alignment across functions, and exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills with experience engaging at executive levels.
Have a tangible impact on platform performance, customer experience, and business outcomes.
Have demonstrated leadership in improving program management practices company-wide.
Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced e-commerce environments, navigating seamlessly between technical and business contexts to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and execution across all hierarchy levels.
Are comfortable with ambiguity and change while proactively bringing solutions to help move decisions and the organization forward.
Have mastered project management methodology and frameworks.
Have empathy, awareness, and understanding related to working in a mission driven and highly diverse and inclusive environment like Zalando.

40% off products sold and shipped by Zalando
2 paid volunteering days a year
Hybrid working model
Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year
27 days of vacation per year to start
A one-time allowance to set up an ergonomic workstation (outside of Zalando office)
Health & Dental Insurance (opt-in)
Pension scheme & match up to 10% (opt-in)
Life Assurance
Income Protection
Cycle to Work Scheme
Tax Saver Commuter Tickets
Employee shares program
Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)
Family services, including counseling and support
Health and wellbeing options, including Gympass/Wellhub
Mental health support and coaching available
Professional development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer reviews